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Staff Writer
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May 12, 2026
Thirty years on from the film that changed everything, and following its world premiere in London’s West End, Trainspotting The Musical will embark on a major UK tour, coming to the Manchester Palace Theatre November 2nd 2026.
In 1996 the “breakthrough British film” Trainspotting was released and became the biggest grossing UK film of the year taking over $76 million worldwide and won a slew of awards including a BAFTA for Best Screenplay. In 1999 it was ranked 10th in the British Film Institute’s ‘Top 100 Greatest British Films of the 20th Century’.
Credit: Jaap Buitendijk
Now, three decades later, the industrial drug-crazed working-class heroes of British youth culture are back, live on stage: Renton, Sick Boy, Begbie, Spud, Tommy and Kelly. Renton (played in the film by Ewan McGregor) will be played on stage by 26-year-old Scottish actor Robbie Scott.
He will be joined by fellow Scots actors Sheridan Townsley as Sick Boy, Kieran Andrew as Spud, Frankie O’Connor as Begbie, Finlay Paul as Tommy, Rebecca McKinnis as Cathy Renton, Gordon Cooper as Davie Renton, Ashley J. Russell as Colleen, Rosie Dignan as Alison, Yana Harris as Kelly, and Sophie Hutchinson as Lizzie.
The ensemble comprises Ally Kennard, Kieran Brown, Melanie Marshall, Lewis Kidd, Samuel Stewart, Finlay McKillop, Ciara Ennis, Victoria Nicol, Kyra Fyvie, and Chris O’Mara. Trainspotting The Musical is written by Irvine Welsh (adapted from his best-selling debut novel) and directed and developed by Caroline Jay Ranger.
Credit: Zoe Law
Irvine Welsh said: “I believe the musical has a bigger, loudly beating human heart than either the book or the film. People need to think about the world we’re living in, and we offer that inspection, but they also need to sing their hearts out and laugh their heads off.
“It’s what being human is all about. We’ve put together an incredible Scottish cast and I can’t wait to see them bring the musical to life.”
This isn’t nostalgia, it’s closer than that. New songs make an appearance (with music and lyrics by Stephen McGuinness and Irvine Welsh) in addition to some of the electrifying tracks from the original film that defined a generation.
Credit: Supplied
Radical, invigorating and life-affirming, this provocative, unforgettable experience will have even the most sceptical leave on a consciousness-altering high.
Trainspotting is not just a show. It’s a moment. It’s a manifesto. It’s who we are.
Trainspotting The Musical 2026/27 UK tour dates
- 19–24 October — Edinburgh Playhouse
- 26–31 October — Sheffield City Hall
- 2–7 November — Manchester Palace Theatre
- 9–14 November — York Opera House
- 16–21 November — Hull New Theatre
- 23–28 November — Ipswich Regent Theatre
- 30 November – 5 December — Birmingham Alexandra Theatre
- 7–12 December — Leeds Grand Theatre
- 14–19 December — Blackpool Opera House
- 4–9 January — Stoke Regent Theatre
- 11–16 January — Aberdeen His Majesty’s
- 18–23 January — Nottingham Theatre Royal
- 25–30 January — Cardiff Wales Millennium Centre
- 1–6 February — Southend Cliffs Pavilion
- 8–13 February — Bradford Live
- 15–20 February — Oxford New Theatre
- 22–27 February — Sunderland Empire Theatre
- 1–6 March — Dunfermline Alhambra Theatre
- 8–13 March — Brighton Dome
- 15–20 March — Glasgow Theatre Royal
- 22–27 March — Edinburgh Playhouse
How to get tickets
You can get tickets for Trainspotting The Musical in Manchester from Wednesday 13 May at 10am here.