TRAINSPOTTING is to return to the Glasgow theatre stage.

Twenty two years after the play’s sell-out run at the Citizens’ Theatre, it has been announced Irvine Welsh’s masterpiece is to be reprised.

Trainspotting, the theatre play, will be a new Main Stage production at the theatre this autumn, directed by Gareth Nicholls.

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The director said: “The comedy, violence and poetry of Irvine Welsh iconic modern classic still feels as urgent as ever, with its unflinching look at Scottish identity, masculinity and exploration of ‘choice’ resonating now as much as it did 22 years ago.

“The piece has vibrancy and energy that will translate brilliantly to the Citizens’ main stage, with a mixture of gritty realism and heightened theatricality that promises to be as thrilling and as it is moving.”

Mr Nicholls added of Harry Gibson’s adaptation of the novel: “I can’t wait to get started in bringing this seminal Scottish text to life.”

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The return of Trainspotting to the theatre is timeous. A movie sequel is currently being filmed featuring the original cast.

Casting for Trainspotting, the theatre play is now underway.

The original cast for the play, described in the Herald as “Sex and drugs and more drugs and rock'n'roll” included Ewen Bremner, James Cunningham, Susan Vidler, and Malcolm Shields.

Citz director Dominic Hill is excited about the return of Trainspotting. “Irvine Welsh’s raw, uncompromising work still packs a punch today and all of the buzz surrounding Danny Boyle’s long-anticipated sequel to the film adaptation is testament to its continued relevance. “It’s also rooted in the history of our theatre, with the first stage adaptation performed in our Circle Studio 22 years ago, just two years after the book was published. Now seems to be the perfect time to revisit it.”

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There are added delights in the CItz autumn programme. Johnny McKnight has written The Gorbals Vampire, a large-scale community production based on the famous Glasgow urban myth.

The smash-hit musical Glasgow Girls’ returns following a fresh run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

And the riotous comedy of manners The Rivals is to be directed by Dominic Hill in a co-production with Bristol Old Vic and Liverpool Everyman &Playhouse.

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Dundee Rep will appear with the hugely successful 2015 production of John McGrath’s The Cheviot, the Stag and the Black, Black Oi.And

This year’s festive programme features a new production for all the family of Hansel and Gretel, directed by Dominic Hill.

The Glasgow Girls, August 30 – September 3. Trainspotting, September 14 – October 8. The Cheviot, The Stag and the Black, Black Oil, October 18-22, The Gorbals Vampire, October 28-29. The Rivals, November 1-19. Hansel and Gretel, December 6 – January 7.

READ MORE: PICTURES: Filming gets underway for hotly-anticipated Trainspotting sequel