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“Trainspotting,” Irvine Welsh‘s 1993 novel that was turned into what is considered to be one of the most iconic British films of all time, is now getting the musical treatment. The news come hot on the paws of the hugely successful “Paddington the Musical,” which also went from book to hit film and, most recently, stage show (although this production will almost certainly be less family-friendly).
Opening in London’s West End in the Theatre Royal Haymarket in July, “Trainspotting the Musical” is being adapted by Welsh and will feature original songs by the author. Caroline Jay Ranger is set to develop and direct.
Playing Ewan McGregor’s character of Renton will be 26-year-old Scottish actor Robbie Scott, making his West End debut. Further casting will be announced soon.
“This musical has a bigger, loudly beating human heart than either the book or the film,” said Welsh. “The various stage adaptations of ‘Trainspotting’ have become acclaimed and moving theatrical experiences and the soundtrack to the movie is obviously iconic. So it made sense to put the music and words together to create an explosive, provocative and entertaining show. People need to think about the world we’re living in, and we offer that inspection, but they also really need to sing their hearts out and laugh their heads off — it’s what being human is all about — and they’ll be well served with this too.”
Alongside tracks from the film, original “confrontational and celebratory” songs will be written by dance music pioneer Stephen McGuinness and Welsh.
Tickets to “Trainspotting the Musical” are set to go on sale March 24 before the it launches July 15. In the meantime, audiences will have to wonder how Welsh manages to set the famed scene in which Renton pulls himself out of the worst toilet in Scotland to song.
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