TRAINSPOTTING THE MUSICAL to have world premiere at Theatre Royal Haymarket

Based on the dark, bizarre 1993 novel by Irvine Welsh that was adapted into a cult classic film in 1996 by Danny Boyle, Trainspotting follows a group of young Scottish men: Mark Renton, an on-and-off heroin junkie, and his friends Danny "Spud" Murphy, Simon "Sick Boy" Williamson, Francis "Franco" Begbie. Cynical and occasionally shocking, it follows their experiences grappling with drinking, sex, family problems, HIV, death, and most of all, heroin addiction. The film adaptation starred Ewan McGregor, alongside Ewen Bremmer, Jonny Lee Miller, Kevin McKidd, Robert Carlyle, and Kelly Macdonald.

Welsh, speaking live online to an audience at Muirhouse Library, part of the Edinburgh International Book Festival’s Paper Trails initiative, revealed that a musical adaptation was in the works. He also mentioned that he was working on writing original songs for the musical. The score will also include tracks from the original film, such as Iggy Pop’s Lust For Life and Lou Reed's Perfect Day.

Welsh said, "This musical has a bigger, loudly beating human heart than either the book or the film."

Lead character Renton will be played by Robbie Scott, who will be making his West End debut, with further casting to be announced. The creative team also includes set and costume designer Colin Richmond, musical supervisor, orchestrator and music director Stuart Morley, video designer Douglas O’Connell, choreographer Christina Andrea, lighting designer Ian Scott, and sound designer Rory Madden for Sonalyst.

Trainspotting has previously been adapted into multiple stage plays, and even a live immersive theatrical experience called Trainspotting Live.

The show will open at the Theatre Royal Haymarket on Wednesday 15 July 2026.

Trainspotting Tickets