The stage adaptation of Irvine Welsh's 1990s cult novel, "Trainspotting: The Musical," has opened at the Theatre Royal Haymarket, receiving a two-out-of-five-star rating from critic Patrick Marmion. The production, which incorporates elements from Welsh's later work "Skagboys" and features new music, has been described as an "awkward resuscitation" that may disappoint those hoping to recapture the "hedonistic glory days of Cool Britannia."
Marmion noted that the musical's soundtrack has largely replaced the original's energetic tracks with more subdued songs, including renditions of Tears For Fears' "Mad World" and The Verve's "Bitter Sweet Symphony." These are performed with "generic rave dancing," while the new musical numbers are often sung while the performers are seated or lying down. The song "C***s From The Country" is noted as a crowd-pleaser, earning a reprise.
In terms of casting, Lewis Kidd and Frankie O'Connor take on the roles of Renton and Begbie, respectively, with Marmion suggesting they are cast as "clones" of the film's original actors. Sheridan Townsley plays Sick Boy, and Kieran Andrew portrays Spud. Newcomer Rosie Dignan faces the challenging task of portraying a character's difficult moment involving the neglect of a baby.
The production's staging has been criticized as "practically staged for touring" with "flimsy" set design. The review questions the longevity of the show, asking, "How many hits can they get out of this over-used syringe?"
"Trainspotting: The Musical" is scheduled to run at the Haymarket until September 5, with a tour commencing in Edinburgh on October 19. The original "Trainspotting" film, directed by Danny Boyle and starring Ewan McGregor, was released in 1996 and gained cult status for its distinctive portrayal of drug addiction and youth culture in Edinburgh.