Review: Porno
Based on the Irvine Welsh book of the same name, Porno has already had one adaptation – on the big screen in Trainspotting 2 back in 2017.
Like the movie, this is only a loose adaptation of the book and loose is really the best word for it as not a lot happens in this show.
After the events of Trainspotting, Renton returns to Edinburgh to see his unwell Mum and mend some bridges with Sick Boy, Spud and Begbie. Well, maybe not Begbie.
Without even having read the book, this feels like an abridged “cliff notes” version of it. The first half goes past without much of note happening. We get a lot of characters doing (albeit well written and acted) solo speeches about one thing or another with no real bearing on the plot – and when there’s not a lot of that it’s a bit of a problem!
The “abridged” vibes run throughout sadly. Characters who aren’t in the play are responsible for the fate of characters who are, main characters never cross paths and a character has something pretty substantial happen to them only to show up two scenes later without it being referenced!
On the plus side, the performances are great and the dialogue is very funny in places but when it comes to the story, there’s not enough happening. Inevitably we get to the last act and things start to make less and less sense and feels totally rushed, it’s a real race to the finish.
Ultimately, I’m not sure what the point was of adapting the book to the stage, or at least on this form. One for the die-hards only.
Review by Thom from press access kindly supplied by Bill Elms.
