Andrew Still talks about TRAINSPOTTING LIVE at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival

Name: Andrew Still
Name of Edinburgh show: Trainspotting Live
Venue: EICC
Performance time: 6pm
Show length: 75 Mins

Can you tell me a little bit about yourself and your performing background?
I’ve been acting since I was a little kid. I’d perform in shows locally around Glasgow, theatres like The King’s, The Mitchell and The Tron. I had my first professional job at 17 when I was cast as a character on the C4 soap opera ‘Hollyoaks’. Since then I’ve been fortunate enough to have a career that’s allowed me to work on screen and in theatres across the world. Although, that being said, this will be my first proper time working in the craziness of the fringe. So I’m buzzing to be diving headfirst into the madness of it all. At least until after that first week is under my belt. Then, I reckon, I’ll probably be feeling a bit manic!

Tell me about your show, what it is all about?
It’s pretty much what it says on the tin, Trainspotting, live. It’s visceral, it’s funny, it’s got little to do with trains and a lot to do with heroin. The lives of a group of 20-something heroin addicts in Edinburgh in the late 80’s. based on the Irvine Welsh book of the same name. Our version of the show includes a lot of interaction with the audience so prepare for some intense nervousness in the crowd while we bring the story to life around you.

How long have you been working on this show and what is it that makes it relevant to audiences in 2018?
I’ve been working on the show since January. This year we toured the show around England & Wales before finish a ten week run in London at the Waterloo Vaults. I think Trainspotting is a story that still resonates with people, it’s got a cult status that keeps bringing new generations to it, especially in Scotland. The book itself is a really rich text, full of social commentary that people can draw parallels with today. The guys have done an amazing job over the past few years to hone a unique experience and audiences love it.

Do you have any top tips for surviving the Edinburgh Fringe Festival – both for performers and visitors to the festival?
As a punter, It’s always a good idea to know a couple of shows you want to see beforehand, book tickets and plan your trip. Shows sell out and you want to save yourself that disappointment of getting to Edinburgh only to find out that you came all that way and missed out on what you were desperate to see. Also, double check the name and location of the venues. It’s an absolute nightmare finding out you’ve headed to the wrong ‘Space’ with 10 mins before the show kicks off.

What has been the funniest or most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you on stage?
I was doing a play once where a really established older actor chocked on a bread roll whilst giving a dramatic line that caused the full cast to break into a fit of giggles on stage. We were all a mess.

Who are your biggest inspirations in the industry and why?
I really love seeing younger creatives who make their own work or run their own theatre companies, those guys are real inspirations. There’s so much great work out there by people who create their own platform. I think it is really important if you have a unique voice to express it.

Do you have any pre-show rituals?
I like to be in the space for about twenty minutes before we open. I just try to warm up a little vocally and think about the show and the character.

What other acts are you looking forward to seeing at Edinburgh Fringe?
I’m really looking forward to seeing Ulster American, Midsummer and The Fisherman. I’m sure I’ll find loads of new suggestions as I get into the festival buzz.

Why do you think people should come and see your show over the thousands of others on at the fringe?
The show has sold out the last two years it’s been on at the fringe, it’s got a great reputation and people really enjoy it. It’s not one to miss.

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