ScotlandsFest: Choose Life, Choose Leith – Trainspotting on Location
Luath Press / Tim Bell • Professional company
ScotlandsFest: Choose Life, Choose Leith – Trainspotting on Location
By Luath Press / Tim Bell • Professional company
Book NowAbout the show
Tim Bell presents an authoritative analysis of the Trainspotting phenomenon at Hall as part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Bell lived in Leith during the heroin scene of the eighties — a period that collided with the new, dreaded HIV/AIDS crisis. His talk examines whether Irvine Welsh's Trainspotting is a fair portrait of the time and place, serious literature, or transgressive entertainment that got lucky, and whether the stage play and film normalised and glorified heroin. This 60-minute spoken word event draws on local and universal insights, adding depth and colour to the story.
Why see this show?
A thoughtful, grounded examination of Trainspotting from someone who was actually there. Tim Bell brings personal authority and analytical rigour to questions that still provoke debate — literature, addiction, place and legacy.
Thursday 14 August 2025
All performances at 12:00
60 minutes
1 performers
Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025
£10 (7)
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the show?
The show runs for 60 minutes.
What is the age guidance?
The show is suitable for ages 18 and over.
Where does the show take place?
The show is at Hall as part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
How much do tickets cost?
Tickets are £10 (£7 concession).
Are there any content warnings?
The show contains distressing or potentially triggering themes and strong language/swearing.
What type of event is this?
It is a spoken word talk — an analytical and personal examination of the Trainspotting phenomenon, its literary merit, and its cultural impact.
About This Performance
ScotlandsFest: Choose Life, Choose Leith – Trainspotting on Location is a spoken word performance at Hall during Edinburgh Festival 2025. Running for 60 minutes, this show is part of the world's largest arts festival, bringing together performers and audiences from across the globe.
Experience the magic of live performance at Edinburgh Festival. Each show offers something unique and memorable.
Venue: Hall
Hall is one of Edinburgh's Festival venues, hosting a variety of performances throughout August. Located in the heart of the city, the venue is accessible by public transport and within walking distance of other Festival locations.
Tips for Attending
- •Read recent reviews for audience reactions
- •Check venue accessibility if needed
- •Allow time to find unfamiliar venues
- •Download venue apps for digital tickets
Booking Information
Ticket Prices: From £10
Age Guidance: 18+
Content Warnings: Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes, Strong language/swearing
Book early to avoid disappointment. Popular shows sell out quickly during Edinburgh Festival.
Part of Edinburgh Festival 2025
Edinburgh Festival transforms Scotland's capital into the world's leading cultural destination every August. With thousands of performances across hundreds of venues, the festival offers unparalleled choice for culture lovers.ScotlandsFest: Choose Life, Choose Leith – Trainspotting on Location represents the creative spirit that makes Edinburgh Festival unique.
Looking for more spoken word shows at Edinburgh Festival 2025?
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Data provided courtesy of the Edinburgh Festivals Listings API
