****
4 stars

I can’t think there are many people in the world who are unaware of Trainspotting. It is a novel by Irvine Welsh, a successful stage play and of course a major movie based on dysfunctional characters in the Edinburgh drugs culture.

The Practical Magic Theatre Company from East Kilbride are staging the play for a short run at Edinburgh College of Art and the large space is selling out on a regular basis, and it is no surprise having seen it.

But let’s be honest, it is not an easy watch. It is pretty damn graphic both in language and the squalid conditions, no character is pleasant, but then given the subject matter this is hardly surprising.

The cast all play their part in making this a theatrical experience distinctly worth watching and the staging and direction do well considering the restraints they were working under.

The cast consist of Mark – Dan Todd,  Alison – Hannah Garner, Sick Boy – Jordan Bergson, Tommy –Anthony, Kelly Begbie – Arthur Hailstones, Boy- Daniel Cropp, Lassie – Seonaid Ballantyne, Mrs Renton – Gillian Souter, Lizzie – Emma Baxter, June – Kim Allan, Mother Superior – Coin McCrum, Drunk – David Bison.  

This is on a very short run so give it a go… if you can get a ticket.