Since 1999

Trusted News & Reviews

25

years

best of british theatre

Official
tickets

Pick
your seats

Since 1999

25 years

Official tickets

Pick seats

REVIEW: Trainspotting, King's Head Theatre ✭✭✭✭

Published on

March 26, 2015

By

markludmon

Photo: Christopher Tribble Trainspotting

King's Head

Four stars

The comedy, violence and poetry of Irvine Welsh's modern classic Trainspotting bursts into life on stage in In Your Face Theatre's adaptation that has come to the King's Head. Originating at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2014, the acclaimed production retains its energy and dark humour.

You know to expect something different when you arrive at the theatre and are given a snap-and-glow stick with your programme. Step inside and you are in a 90s rave, with the whole cast dancing in the centre, encouraging the new arrivals to join them.

The play tells the story of drug addict Mark Renton and his friends in their day-to-day lives of shooting up and signing on. Through short fragmentary scenes, you see them navigate a world of drug dealers, death and casual violence.

While this darkness permeates the play, it is lifted by the comedy and strong performances, most notably Gavin Ross as Renton, Chris Dennis as the terrifying Begbie and Greg Esplin as Renton's best friend, Tommy. Greg also impresses as director of the show which captures the robust poetry of Walsh's language in a text by Harry Gibson.

With the audience sat and stood around three sides, the action regularly erupts off the stage, from projectile soiled sheets to splashes of murky toilet water. At 65 minutes, it moves along at a cracking and sometimes disorienting pace that leaves you staggering out of the theatre feeling like you've been assaulted (but in a good way).

Trainspotting runs until April 11, 2015 at the King's Head Theatre.

The BritishTheatre.com website was created to celebrate the rich and diverse theatrical culture of the United Kingdom. Our mission is to provide the latest UK theatre news, West End reviews, and insights into both regional theatre and London theatre tickets, ensuring enthusiasts can stay up to date with everything from the biggest West End musicals to cutting-edge fringe theatre. We are passionate about encouraging and nurturing the performing arts in all their forms.

The spirit of theatre is alive and thriving, and BritishTheatre.com is at the forefront of delivering timely, authoritative news and information to theatre lovers. Our dedicated team of theatre journalists and critics works tirelessly to cover every production and event, making it easy for you to access the latest reviews and book London theatre tickets for must-see shows.