Trainspotting cast ‘absolutely bereft’ after UK tour for panned musical is axed

| Deputy Entertainment Editor Published August 3, 2026 2:55pm Updated August 3, 2026 2:55pm Trainspotting The Musical’s nationwide run was cancelled ‘due to poor ticket sales’ (Picture: Matt Crockett) Trainspotting The Musical’s UK tour has been cancelled due to poor ticket sales, leaving the cast ‘devastated’ The production, which is based on the best-selling novel by Irvine Welsh, which was later adapted into a hit 1996 film starring Ewan McGregor, Jonny Lee Miller and Robert Carlyle, was due to head to cities including Edinburgh, Glasgow and Manchester after debuting at London’s Theatre Royal Haymarket on July 15. However, the musical was met with poor reviews, being slated as ‘shocking’ and ‘forgettable’. It will now wrap in London in September. Theatregoers who had purchased tickets to upcoming shows are now being offered refunds. A spokesperson told Metro: ‘The forthcoming UK tour of Trainspotting The Musical, which was due to begin on 19 October, has been cancelled. The West End show was panned by critics when it opened (Picture: Matt Crockett) The production is based on the best-selling novel by Irvine Welsh, which was later adapted into a hit 1996 film (Picture: REX/Shutterstock) ‘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.’ A source added to The Sun that the cast have been informed of the decision and are ‘gutted’. ‘The whole team who worked on Trainspotting: The Musical are absolutely bereft,’ they said. ‘It’s been in the works for some time and so much time and effort has gone into making that show what it is. The production will not embark on its five-month tour after its London run at Theatre Royal Haymarket (Picture: REX/Shutterstock) ‘The reviews had been mixed but for genuine fans of Trainspotting, we felt it hit all the right notes. ‘Theatre is tough and it’s not unusual for things like this to happen. But it’s a hard pill to swallow for all of us, especially when we have been so dedicated to it.’ When asked about the decision on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme Irvine Welsh said: ‘We are in difficult times and we’ve been looking at the numbers and sums. ‘We knew it would be difficult to take a production of that scale on the road. We’ve got 30 cast members. Basically people just don’t have the money. ‘We’re not sure yet but we know we’ll be in the West End right through to September. What will happen after that, it’s an uncertain future. It’s not a great time to be putting a new show on the road.’ Scottish actor Robbie Scott stars Mark Renton in the production, a heroin addict in Edinburgh navigating poverty, friendship and addiction alongside his dysfunctional peers. He was due to remain in the role for the tour. Deals of the Day Wuka launches the UK’s first period-proof swimwear for heavy flows Bridgerton fans are rushing to buy these new Netflix-inspired perfumes now £12 off The affordable summer wardrobe update you'll wear from rooftop drinks to beach holidays The £7.99 lip balm beauty fans love for glossy, hydrated lips just dropped four new shades This Keskine hydrogel mask could fix your summer skin He is joined by fellow Scottish 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. Arrow MORE: Boy George speaks out about quitting Jesus Christ Superstar and backlash to pro-Israel song Arrow MORE: How unlubricated wooden butt plugs finally turned me onto musicals Arrow MORE: Amber Davies has theatregoer thrown out mid-performance for ‘selfish’ behaviour