Nic O'Keeffe — Theater Critic

Welsh removes the character of Diane, probably the most contentious plot line from both the novel and film, which feels like the safer move in 2026, and also makes a valiant attempt to give the women in the story more to do, which doesn’t quite pay off. Cathy mainly bemoans the fact that her son is too sensitive for this world, but will always be her little boy, in a slightly dragging (but beautifully sung) number and reprise that feels, again, more like it offers excuses for Renton’s addiction. Kelly’s (played by Yana Harris) plotline also fizzles out, and her main number – a cover of “Drop Dead Gorgeous” by Republica – while energetically performed, feels tonally out of place. Alison’s storyline, however, is a highlight which feels expanded from the original, and is very affecting.