Trainspotting Live is a show that comes with several warnings. Nudity. Strong language. Sexual violence. Drug use. You are explicitly warned – and yet nothing can prepare you for the ride you are about to go on.

Experience the highs and lows of Edinburgh’s drug scene in this 80 minute immersive theatre production of the cultural phenomenon that is Trainspotting. Follow the story of Renton and his rag tag group of friends as they look for ways to escape the dull mundanity of their lives through any means necessary – and you are there to take part in it all.

Cast members will sit on your knee, swig your drinks, crack jokes at your expense, and throw questionable liquid at you from start to finish. No seat is safe. This no holds barred show gives a new meaning to immersive performance. There is no break and nowhere to look away, which creates a camaraderie between yourself, the cast, and fellow audience members. You are part of this and entirely invested in the lives of these characters, which given the subject matter, gives an honest portrayal of the reality of people’s struggles. Experiences which Irvine Welsh,the original book author himself drew on from his own life.

Praise must be given to the entire cast who work in sync bouncing off of each others personalities and slipping seamlessly into multiple characters when needed. Working with a remarkably minimal set, the cast keep the constant tension buzzing throughout using just a narrow walkway. The energy that radiates in the arena is palpable, as characters go continuously off script to pick on audience members making the show seem more realistic, the conversations more natural. You could easily meet these characters around your local pub. The lighting design by Clancy Flynn supported the transition of scenes to creatively diversify the one area while the sound design by Tom Lishman gives a nod to the original film.

The accomplishment of pulling this energetic show off night after night while keeping it fresh is a testament to it’s craft. It’s guaranteed you will not find a more engaging show at the Fringe and you couldn’t imagine a better way for this material to be portrayed. It is heart-warming to know Trainspotting will continue to be discovered by new audiences so you are encouraged to pay a visit, but do so at your own peril (and maybe don’t wear your nicest outfit).

Trainspotting Live is at Pleasance at EICC – Cromdale Tunnel until Sun 25 Aug 2024 (except Wed 14) at 18:30 & 20:45