Irvine Welsh, author of the infamous film Trainspotting, is writing his first musical—Blackpool.

The musical production will be staged at the Gateway Theatre in Edinburgh by third year drama students of Queen Margaret University College. The world premiere of Blackpool will take place at the Gateway for a two-week run in February 2002.

Irvine Welsh is perhaps best-known as the author of the novel "Trainspotting," which was initially adapted to the stage before becoming a trendy and controversial film. Other novels written by Welsh include "Marabou Stork Nightmares," "Filth" and "Glue." He has published two collections of short stories called "The Acid House" and "Ecstasy." He is also currently working on a sequel to "Trainspotting," expected in May 2002. called "Porno."

His work has consistently focused on a harsh yet realistic view of heroin and other illicit drugs, and the twisted lifestyle that escalates in the world of hard drugs.

Welsh was born in Edinburgh, making the Gateway an ideal place to present his first musical, which will be directed by Welsh's regular collaborator, Harry Gibson.

Maggie Kinloch, director of the Gateway and head of the drama department at Queen Margaret University College, said: "We are delighted to give our students this opportunity to work on a hard-hitting, contemporary piece by one of Scotland's most successful writers. The Gateway Theatre is proud to be able to stage this exciting world premiere."

—by Theatrenow