Boys from the Blackstuff
See a landmark classic on stage with Boys from the Blackstuff play tickets
40 years after Alan Bleasdale’s groundbreaking drama aired on television, Royal Court Liverpool’s “exhilarating” (The Observer) Boys from the Blackstuff play transfers to the West End for a strictly limited season. Award-winning playwright James Graham (Sherwood) brings the familiar stories of six Liverpudlian men to vivid life in this five-star production, which played to sold-out audiences during its world premiere. It now runs at the Garrick Theatre and fans of the original series shouldn’t miss the chance to see this “blistering” (Financial Times) show.
In 1980s Liverpool, Chrissie, Logo, George, Dixie and Yosser are used to working hard to provide for their families. The problem is, there isn’t any work and they haven’t got any money. Should they work harder and try to fill the gaps? Should they spend less and scrimp on essentials? What they really need is a chance.
Life might be tough for these lads, but they know how to play the game: find a job, avoid “sniffers”, and laugh as much as they can along the way.
Balancing harsh reality with humour and warmth as six men navigate a world built for the rich, the Boys from the Blackstuff play dives into the heart of Liverpool’s working-class community, and is a vivid five-star adaptation of Alan Bleasdale’s anthology series.
The Boys from the Blackstuff play is directed by Kate Wasserberg with design by Amy Jane Cook, and is adapted from the television series by Olivier Award-winning playwright James Graham. His other credits include BBC drama Sherwood and the musical Tammy Faye, but he is best known for his plays, which focus on politics, national identity and social history. Some of his biggest plays include This House, Dear England, Best of Enemies and Quiz.
During its premiere at Liverpool’s Royal Court Theatre, Graham and Wasserberg’s play earned rave reviews for its “powerful portrayals of working-class pride” (The Guardian) and “phenomenal” (Liverpool Echo) reimagining of Bleasdale’s work. Fans of the show will be blown away by its power on stage, with a story and characters that feel completely modern and relevant despite being created four decades ago.
It sold out every performance during its world premiere in Liverpool and was a hot ticket at the National Theatre; don’t miss your chance to experience humour, heart and sharp-eyed social commentary with tickets for the Boys in the Blackstuff play.
Child friendly?
The Boys from the Blackstuff play age rating is to be confirmed.