Direct from London’s West End, Trainspotting The Musical is heading to the Regent Theatre in Stoke-on-Trent as part of a major UK tour.
The show will run from Tuesday 5 to Saturday 9 January 2027, bringing Irvine Welsh’s story to the city more than 30 years after the film became one of the defining British cultural moments of the 1990s.
Written by Irvine Welsh, adapted from his best-selling debut novel, and directed and developed by Caroline Jay Ranger, the musical follows Renton, Sick Boy, Begbie, Spud, Tommy and Kelly as their world is brought to life on stage.
The 1996 film Trainspotting became the highest-grossing UK film of the year, taking more than $76 million worldwide. It also won several 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.
Robbie Scott will play Renton, the role made famous on screen by Ewan McGregor. He will be joined by Sheridan Townsley as Sick Boy, Kieran Andrew as Spud, Frankie O’Connor as Begbie, Finlay Paul as Tommy, Yana Harris as Kelly, and a wider Scottish cast and ensemble.
“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.”
Irvine Welsh
The production looks at the way the world has changed since Choose Life first became a challenge to a generation. The musical explores addiction, powerlessness, wealth, political power and modern life, while also bringing music, humour and energy to the stage.
The show features new songs, with music and lyrics by Stephen McGuinness and Irvine Welsh, alongside some of the tracks from the original film.
Tickets for ATG+ members are now on sale. General sale opens at 10am on Wednesday 13 May.
Tickets are available from www.atgtickets.com/stoke
Enjoyed this story?
The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire.
Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county.
Explore the heart of our county Use the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support The Staffordshire Signal’s mission to keep local news free and independent.
