Trainspotting @ Merchant's Hall

Does Trainspotting still have the capacity to shock? Aside from the profanity, violence and scatology, a decade and a half after its first performance the subject matter isn't going away. Heroin is even more pervasive now than then, and this production skillfully brings out all the power, black comedy and poignancy of the situations it creates.

Able direction from Fran Lyons means there's not a slack minute in the running time, aided by intelligent choices for set and music. A stand out cast also assists, with special mention for a magnetic Pete Hannah as Sick Boy, and Arthur Hailstone's electrifying Begbie, just the right mix of threat and humour.

Dan Todd as storytelling lynchpin Renton is very strong on the heart-rending stuff - he gives good breakdown - but doesn't quite have the charm to pull off the polemic parts. That aside, this is a production well worth catching.