PERFORMANCE. THIS AMBITIOUS 1968 FILM WAS A PROVOCATIVE CODA TO THE SWINGING SIXTIES. IT FEATURED GRATUITOUS SEX, SHOCKING VIOLENCE AND DRUG-TAKING, AND BROUGHT TOGETHER THE WORLD OF LONDON GANGSTERS AND THE HEDONISTIC FREEFALL OF ROCK STARDOM.

It was disowned by its studio, refused distribution, banned in many places, and attacked by the mainstream media. Starring Mick Jagger of Rolling Stones fame, PERFORMANCE is the very definition of a counter-cult classic. It’s also the inspiration for a new play from heavyweight writing duo Irvine Welsh and Dean Cavanagh, which runs throughout August at the Edinburgh Fringe. PERFORMERS is a dark and subtle comedy narrating the story of two unwitting gangsters who find themselves auditioning for a part in the film. In this new edition of The Mouthcast, we begin with Welsh discussing both PERFORMERS and PERFORMANCE, before opening up a wider discussion on some of the recurring themes of his work…

PERFORMERS runs at the Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh, from Thursday 3rd to Sunday 27th August . Tickets
CREATIVES runs at the Pleasance Courtyard, Edinburgh, on the 2nd / 3rd and 4th August. Tickets