A HomeComing: Trainspotting at Leith Theatre

Leith Theatre, Main Auditorium on Friday 14 August 2026. Photo by Aimee Todd

Watching Leith Theatre transform from an empty auditorium and quiet corridors into a bustling, sold out event never gets old. The bright lights, the sound of music carrying throughout the venue and the buzz of an audience about to experience something together are exactly what makes a venue feel alive. 

This August we hosted a celebration of the film Trainspotting, in partnership with Edinburgh International Film Festival and Assembly Festival, 30 years on from its original release. There was something incredible about coming together over a shared love for this film, its story and the streets that inspired it. 

Trainspotting isn’t just a Scottish story that captured readers and viewers across the world. It takes you back to that period in time. It’s nostalgic in its aesthetic, from the music to the clothes, and that nostalgia was unmistakable in the room, and even before the main event, as 1,500 people - most of them wearing orange buckets hats - queued along Ferry Road in anticipation for the night ahead.  

This was our first full capacity audience since 2022, and it gave us a glimpse of what the building can be when it’s operating at its full potential.

At 8pm, the atmosphere was electric. Fans across generations came together to celebrate this much-loved film, entering Leith Theatre to the sounds of 'Blue Monday' by New Order, 'Starman' by David Bowie and 'Lust for Life' By Iggy Pop, amongst a soundtrack of other iconic songs from the 70s, 80s and 90s. Orange lights filled the venue, already dressed head to toe in Trainspotting imagery, and the energy was palpable.  

Pictured from left to right: Kevin McKidd, Ewan McGregor, Ewen Bremner. Photo by Aimee Todd

The evening saw a screening of the film, while host Robbie Collin was joined on stage by cast members Ewan McGregor, Ewen Bremner and Kevin McKidd, producer Andrew Macdonald, screenwriter John Hodge, costume designer Rachael Fleming, production designer Kave Quinn, and author of the legendary book, Irvine Welsh. As the film played, you could feel the audience anticipating every familiar moment, with laughter, cheers and the most memorable lines ringing out across the room, while the panellists on stage shared stories and memories from the production.

But what made the night particularly special for us wasn’t just the homecoming of the film, or the celebratory party that came after it with Irvine Welsh stepping up to the DJ decks followed by Darren Emerson from Underworld closing the night with 'Born Slippy' in parallel with the end of film. That in itself was a cultural experience we were incredibly proud to host. 

For us, the real significance of the evening was seeing Leith Theatre doing what it does best: bringing people together.  

It was a welcome reminder of the role this building can play in the cultural life of Leith and Edinburgh. It was a glimpse of Leith Theatre at full volume. The ambition isn’t simply to preserve a building. It’s about having a venue that can once again regularly host audiences, artists, communities, events and the unexpected moments that will bring it back to life. It takes a lot to put on events as special as this one here, and we’re hugely grateful to everyone who helped make it happen.  

It really belonged here. 🧡 

As we continue to work towards the future of Leith Theatre, you can stay involved and help support what comes next.  

This October, a special fundraiser will take place at the venue, with Irvine Welsh’s Porno coming to the stage followed by a DJ night with Irvine Welsh joined by local DJs.