ScotlandsFest: Choose Life Choose Leith – Trainspotting on Location

ScotlandsFest: Choose Life Choose Leith – Trainspotting on Location

Tim Bell / Luath PressProfessional company

Google Tim Bell / Luath Press
60 minutesHall
Set firmly in unglamorous 1980s Leith, Trainspotting has burst through stage, film and musical genres, dodging the forces of orthodoxy and censorship. But is it just scurrilous punk, junk, transgressional entertainment that got lucky? Bell reveals how this hard-to-read and on-location book tells truths that need to be told. And how it's everyone's business. Author of 'Choose Life, Choose Leith' and living in Leith since 1980, he brings street-level wisdom, erudite research and a good dash of humour to the Trainspotting phenomenon. 'Great study from a serious Trainspotting scholar' (Irvine Welsh).

About the show

Tim Bell, author of 'Choose Life, Choose Leith' and a Leith resident since 1980, presents a talk exploring Trainspotting's journey through stage, film and musical genres. Bell examines whether the novel is merely scurrilous punk entertainment or a book that tells truths that genuinely need telling. Drawing on street-level wisdom, erudite research and humour, he unpacks the Trainspotting phenomenon and its unglamorous roots in Leith. Presented by Tim Bell and Luath Press at Hall as part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the show runs for 60 minutes and is suitable for audiences aged 16 and over.

Why see this show?

Bell brings both insider knowledge and genuine scholarly depth to the subject. If you want to understand Trainspotting beyond the cultural mythology, this is a considered and witty starting point.

Tickets

£10 (7)

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When

Thursday 27 August 2026

All performances at 10:30

Duration

60 mins

Cast

1 performers

Festival

Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026

Venue
Hall

14 Johnston Terrace

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Additional Information

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the talk?

The show runs for 60 minutes.

Where is it held?

At Hall, as part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

What is the age guidance?

The show is suitable for audiences aged 16 and over.

What is the content warning?

The show contains strong language/swearing.

What is the format?

It is a spoken word talk exploring Trainspotting's cultural and literary significance, presented by the author of 'Choose Life, Choose Leith'.

How much are tickets?

Tickets are £10. See the booking link on this page for current availability.

About This Performance

ScotlandsFest: Choose Life Choose Leith – Trainspotting on Location is a spoken word performance at Hall during Edinburgh Festival 2026. 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

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Booking Information

Ticket Prices: From £10

Age Guidance: 16+

Content Warnings: Strong language/swearing

Book early to avoid disappointment. Popular shows sell out quickly during Edinburgh Festival.

Part of Edinburgh Festival 2026

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.

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