As first reported by Playbill On-Line (Aug. 21), Trainspotting, the Irvine Welsh novel which became a popular film, will reach the New York stage this fall. The play -- which has had productions in Toronto, London and Glasgow -- will begin performances on Oct. 27 at the Players Theatre (115 MacDougal St.). The official opening date is Nov. 15. Trainspotting received rave reviews in Glasgow at its 1995 premiere and then moved to London where it was extremely well received at both the Bush and Ambassador's Theatre. From there it has continued to tour across England and Australia.

Welsh's novel is set in Edinburgh's gritty side and follows the unromantic adventures of group of drugged-out, disaffected youths. The movie version, directed by Danny Boyle, launched the careers of Robert Carlyle (The Full Monty) and Ewan McGregor (the upcoming Star Wars prequels).

The Canadian Stage Company brought the show to its 26 Berkeley St. theatre in Toronto this past winter. CanStage pursued the play for more than a year and has secured first North American rights.

The New York cast will feature Tessa Auberjonois, Dara Coleman, Sebastian Roche and Seth Ullian. Harry Gibson directs.

For information, call (212) 239-6200. -- By Robert Simonson
and Mira Friedlander