Ecstasy

The poet of the chemical generation retains a contemporary punch

Article by Agata Maslowska | 04 Aug 2008

 

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Following the startling success of Trainspotting, Irvine Welsh kept exploring the British drug culture in his later pieces. Ecstasy is a collection of three short stories, one of which, The Undefeated, tells an unsettling tale of chemical amours, clubbing and desire for the 'real thing'. Lloyd and his mates party hard as it seems the only way to fill the emotional void. Heather, fed up with her marriage, leaves her husband and gets sucked into the new world of Ecstasy, dance and love on high where she falls for Lloyd. Will their chemical romance last longer than a party weekend? Breathtaking acting, painfully realistic characters, disturbingly amusing scenes – Maddy Lewis's production reveals the non-sentimental and controversial life in Edinburgh Welsh is so keen to expose. The cast skilfully switch between many characters that fit perfectly in the regular Edinburgh night club venue. Quite frankly, a thrilling show that shouldn’t be missed.