A stage adaptation of Irvine Welsh’s Trainspotting sequel ‘Porno’ has been confirmed for this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Renton, Spud, Sick Boy, and Begbie will return to audiences at the Pleasance Courtyard from August 3 at the 75th anniversary of the Fringe.
Porno, which was released 20 years ago, is being adapted from Welsh’s hit novel by Scottish writer, director, and actor Davie Carswell.
Described as “disturbing, shocking, and extremely funny,” Porno will revisit the four main characters around 15 years after the events in Trainspotting – where they get entangled in the pornographic film industry.
Director Davie Carswell said that his adaption of the cult story will be somewhere between the novel, and the film version.
He told STV News: “I wrote the script about five years ago, but someone had the adaption rights, so I had to sit on the script. Luckily, they agreed to let it go.
“This adaptation will be somewhere between Porno, and T2. I love the film, and the novel. I have lifted some of the dialogue verbatim.
“I loved Trainspotting 2, and I was nervous going to see it, as I was worried how it would turn out on screen. When I watched it however, I felt like I was with old friends that I hadn’t seen in years.
“The show will delve into the theme of being of a certain age and asking yourself ‘how did I get here so quickly?’.
“The subject matter will include violence, sexual themes, drugs, and a lot of swearing. It wouldn’t be an Irvine thing without these themes. It’s not shock value; they are phenomenal characters who are well formed and sculpted.
“We’re going to make some cast announcements this week, and I’m really excited about it.
“I love Irvine Welsh’s work. The guy is a literary giant in Scotland.
“I remember reading Trainspotting in the nineties, and I just fell in love with the characters. I think they are some of the greatest characters ever written.
“I sent Irvine the full-length script, and it was the last hurdle. When his agent got back in touch to say yes, it was phenomenal.”
Davie, who previously created stage shows on Glaswegian boxing icon Benny Lynch and Celtic legend Tommy Burns, said the show has already had offers beyond the Fringe festival.
He added: “We already have got offers to take the show to Glasgow and London, and they have not even seen the show yet. Given the success of Trainspotting live, that toured the world, it proves there is still a massive appetite for Irvine’s work.
“The Fringe is 100% the right place to launch the show, given Irvine’s connection with the city.”
Irvine Welsh took to social media to praise the adaptions script, adding his “excitement” in seeing the show.
He wrote: “Finally got a chance to read the script of FringePORNO and I was mightily impressed. I think it’ll be an amazing show.
“I like the way it forges its own identify and is different to both the novel Porno and the film Trainspotting2.”
“Excited to see it in Edinburgh this August.”
Tickets for Porno can be purchased here.
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