EDINBURGH 2022: TRAINSPOTTING LIVE Q&A

BWW catches up with Greg Esplin to chat about bringing Trainspotting Live to the 2022 Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Tell us a bit about Trainspotting Live.

Trainspotting Live is an immersive stage adaption based on the best-selling novel and film 'Trainspotting'. It's a 75-minute rollercoaster ride of a production. It's based around the much-loved characters of Renton, Begbie, Sickboy, Tommy and how their lives intertwine and affect each other as they all grapple with their own demons. You're guaranteed laughs, groans, tears and even a rave! This production does not shy away from any of the real themes and issues of addiction, domestic violence, toxic masculinity, and the struggle of day to day life. Nor does it glamorise it. This is a show where the audience are as close as they can get to the action without sticking their own hand down the worst toilet in Scotland, leave that up to us!

We want people close so that they can't look away and will be made to think about what they are seeing, what it makes them feel and why they feel that way. It may be 2022 but, currently, it doesn't feel so far away from the 80s and early 90s. The themes of unemployment, addiction and drug abuse are sadly still very prevalent in our society, and we want to continue to shine a light on that. So come get your glowstick, don't put your Sunday best on and come and be a part of the amazing story that is Trainspotting.

Exactly how immersive is it?

We start with a 15-minute rave as the audience come in to take their seats and I feel this really helps break the barrier of performer and audience, plus it's fun! The audience are central to this production because there is no fourth wall. We are telling this story to them, directly. Pulling them on stage or jumping in the audience with them when we feel it will better help take the story forward. Perhaps you end up as the guy at the pool table with Begbie, or the person on the bus that Renton sits next to, who knows. All I can say is that it's not immersive for the sake of being immersive or being shocking. It's immersive because I truly believe it helps better tell this story and makes for a much more enjoyable performance to watch (and be a part of!).

Who would you recommend comes to see it?

This is not just a generic answer, but I thoroughly believe everybody should come see this! Obviously, for fans of Trainspotting, it's a must. But the show is much more than just putting the film on stage, we are touching some real themes and issues that are still affecting people in 2022 and the show might challenge some views you have on these issues and that's always a good thing, right? We want people who think theatre isn't for them to come along and see just how good it can be. I remember when I grew up thinking theatre was only for the very upper class of society, and it wasn't until I went to see 'Black Watch' that I realised just how wrong I was. This play truly is for everyone and anyone!

Who would you suggest maybe doesn't?

Nigel Farage. Don't fancy having him in our audience.

Honestly, anyone who doesn't think this show is for them? Then I want you to come. How can you know something isn't for you until you at least try it? We've had so many people come to the show and afterwards told me they only came because their friend or partner dragged them along and they didn't fancy it, only for them to come back a second time with some fresh faces because of how much they enjoyed it!

Not everyone's going to enjoy it, but that's a good thing. If everyone enjoys it, then we aren't taking risks and instead just playing it overly safe. At least come and make your own mind up about it though.

What's next for the show after the Fringe?

We head off on our UK tour straight after. We're hitting Manchester, Corby, Glasgow, Windermere, Southampton, and London. Plenty of chances to come catch us before this tour finishes in November. Personally, I want to look at putting more exciting work like Trainspotting on with my company In Your Face Theatre so I'll be looking into that after the show but also hoping for a Trainspotting Live 2023 tour. Watch this space!

Venue: Pleasance - Cromdale Tunnel @ EICC (Venue 150)

Dates: 4th to 28th August 2022 (not 10th, 17th, 22nd)

Time: 6.00pm (7.15pm) & 9.00pm (10.15pm)

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Photo credit: Geraint Lewis

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