YOUR GUIDE TO EDINBURGH'S FESTIVALS
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ED2014 5/5 Reviews ED2014 Theatre Reviews
Trainspotting (In Your Face Theatre)
By Andy Leask | Published on Saturday 23 August 2014
A warts and all – or should that be needles, shitey bedsheets and all – immersive adaptation of Irvine Welsh’s ‘Trainspotting’. Somewhere between novel and film in terms of plot, structure and visuals, it is impossible to keep track of the distinctions, because the universally excellent performances are so compelling, so visceral. Like the source material the play is often hilarious, just as often heartbreaking and with a constant sense of looming menace. The use of space – darkness, moving walls, hand-held lights – is really effective, as are the interludes of physical theatre that culminate in a harrowing, psychotic dream sequence. It’s not for the faint of heart, but I feel lucky to have experienced it.
Hill Street Drama Lodge, until 24 Aug.
tw rating 5/5 | [Andrew Leask]
