Trainspotting and Headstate: Playscripts

by Irvine Welsh (Contributor)

Trainspotting: filled with graphic realism and wild comedy, the stage adaptation of Irvine Welsh's phenomenally successful novel skims in and out of blighted lives spinning raw tales of everyday addiction: two dossers are called up to interview for the same shite job neither wants; a gallus lassie, goaded by four failed-Oxbridge twats from the Uni, takes bloody revenge; a skag boy tries to kick it one last time. Gruesome, political, violent and funny - Trainspotting is not to be missed. Headstate: Originally conceived as a 'pre-club night' rather than a long-running play, this theatre piece, developed in concert with the Boilerhouse Theatre Company, is both a snapshot of and a hard-edged investigation into uncomfortable contemporary truths. Mickey sells love; Tina has given it away; John denies it; and Martin Sykes, the butcher, will always use it for a scam. Headstate is a shocking and humorous look at modern Britain: where we are now and how we got here.

Genres: Fiction

97 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

Probably most famous for his gritty depiction of a gang of Scottish Heroin addicts, Trainspotting (1993), Welsh focuses on the darker side of human nature and drug use. All of his novels are set in his native Scotland and filled with anti-heroes, small time crooks and hooligans. Welsh manages, however to imbue these characters with a sad humanity that makes them likable despite their obvious scumbaggerry. Irvine Welsh is also known for writing in his native Edinburgh Scots dialect, making his prose challenging for the average reader unfamiliar with this style.

Reviews

[Katelyn Unke · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ Sad and messed up stories! This took me a million years to finish bc the first playscript (Trainspotting) was nearly impossible to read w the scottish dialogue— so naturally, I liked headstate better (though I love the movie trainspotting!)