TRAINSPOTTING the Musical has released an official statement after reports emerged that the production's UK tour was set to be scrapped.
In the statement, it was confirmed that the tour will not go ahead, blaming "the current economic climate" for low ticket sales.
This is despite the show receiving widespread criticism from fans, as well as being slammed with one star reviews from theatre critics.
Co-written by the original book's author, Irvine Welsh, the show launched in London's West End to mark the film adaptation's 30th anniversary.
The UK tour was due to open at the Edinburgh Playhouse in October – close to where the opening scene of Renton (Ewan McGregor) dashing down Princes Street towards Calton Road was filmed – before moving to His Majesty’s Theatre in Aberdeen, the Alhambra Theatre in Dunfermline and the Theatre Royal in Glasgow.
A closing run of additional dates were also set back at the Edinburgh Playhouse, scheduled for March of next year.
The production's statement read: "The forthcoming UK tour of Trainspotting The Musical, which was due to begin on 19 October, has been cancelled.
"We are very grateful to our cast, crew and creative team for their dedication to the production, but the current economic climate has resulted in lower than expected ticket sales.
"Ticketholders will be contacted by their point of purchase with full refund details. We apologise for any inconvenience and disappointment this may cause.
"Trainspotting The Musical continues at London's Theatre Royal Haymarket until 5 September 2026.
We reported earlier on Monday that tour dates had been removed from the official website of the show, while venues on the tour have halted ticket sales. Several members of the cast had also posted on social media about the tour being cancelled.
Gordon Cooper, who is currently performing in the musical, said: "If you want to see Trainspotting The Musical you are going to do it in the five next weeks at Theatre Royal Haymarket.
"Sadly our tour has been cancelled. Apologies to everyone who has or planned to buy tickets to see the show around the country."
Kieran Brown, who is also appearing in the production, said: “So, once we finish Trainspotting in the West End, that’s it.
“The UK tour has sadly been cancelled - just not selling unfortunately for us. If Edinburgh of all places is stuck on 19% sales - you know you’re f***ed!
“Nothing to do with some of our reviews (I’m gloatingly pleased to say!). 100+ people (who’d poured their heart and soul into something that our audiences in London seem to love) suddenly find themselves unemployed from 6th September.
“This business is brutal - but it’s business at the end of the day. Lose £2 million now or £6 million later.
“So, so very much to be proud of.”
