REVIEW - BOYS FROM THE BLACKSTUFF | THE LOWRY | 22/04/2025

Even if you’ve never seen the original 1982 TV series, Boys from the Blackstuff carries a reputation that precedes it. Created by Liverpool writer Alan Bleasdale, it became a landmark drama about working-class life and unemployment in Thatcher-era Britain. Gritty, emotional, and fiercely political, it struck a chord then—and still hits hard today.

This new stage adaptation, written by Bleasdale himself and directed by Kate Wasserberg, brings the story to life for a new audience. Originally premiered in Liverpool to great acclaim, the production has now hit the road, introducing fresh eyes to the world of Chrissie, Yosser, and the rest of the Blackstuff boys. For those of us seeing it for the first time, it’s clear why this story continues to resonate—and why it still feels urgent, angry, and heartbreakingly human..

Set against the backdrop of 1980s Liverpool, Boys from the Blackstuff tells the deeply moving story of five working-class men—Chrissie, Loggo, George, Dixie, and Yosser—who once laid tarmac for a living but now find themselves unemployed, broke, and desperately trying to stay afloat. After being conned out of their earnings and left jobless, the group is thrown into a relentless struggle for survival in a society where the odds are stacked against them.

As they queue at the dole office, dodge government inspectors, and grasp at any opportunity—legal or not—to earn a few quid, the play unpacks the quiet tragedy of dignity lost, the strain on friendships and families, and the crushing weight of being made to feel invisible. These are not just stories of joblessness, but of fractured masculinity, moral dilemmas, and emotional unraveling in the face of a system that no longer serves them.

Yet amid the bleakness, there’s humour, camaraderie, and the odd moment of absurd brilliance. Whether it’s Yosser’s increasingly desperate catchphrase “Gizza job,” or Chrissie’s internal battle between integrity and necessity, each man’s journey is told with raw honesty and heart. While the story doesn’t offer easy answers, it reminds us that even in the darkest times, people can still hold onto hope, pride, and each other.

Amy Jane Cook’s set design is beautifully stark. Rusted girders, industrial textures, and corrugated metal form a bleak urban backdrop that grounds the play firmly in 1980s Liverpool. Clever use of projections adds a sense of place and history, from the River Mersey to the dole office queues. The lighting by Ian Scott is atmospheric and precise, often casting long shadows that echo the characters’ sense of isolation. Dyfan Jones’ sound design lends weight to the emotional heft of the piece, and the inclusion of group singing adds a lyrical rhythm that threads scenes together with unexpected poignancy.

The cast is an ensemble triumph, with standout performances across the board. George Caple brings a gentle gravity to Chrissie, portraying a man morally torn between survival and self-respect. Jay Johnson’s Yosser Hughes is electrifying—unpredictable, heart-wrenching, and at times devastatingly funny. His breakdowns are as hard to watch as they are impossible to ignore, delivered with chilling authenticity. Ged McKenna’s George adds warmth and wisdom, his presence anchoring the group. Mark Womack is solid as the stoic Dixie, while Jurell Carter brings charisma and sharp comic timing to Loggo, injecting levity into even the darkest moments. The supporting cast flesh out the wider community with energy and credibility.

Even without having seen Alan Bleasdale’s original television series, Boys from the Blackstuff stands firmly on its own as a searing and deeply moving piece of theatre. James Graham’s adaptation doesn’t require prior knowledge to hit hard—it paints a powerful portrait of dignity under pressure, masculinity under threat, and community under strain. With a superb central cast and striking stagecraft, the production draws you into its bleak but painfully recognisable world, where every decision feels loaded and every moment of humour or friendship is a tiny triumph. It’s not always an easy watch, but it’s one that stays with you. Gritty, gutsy, and grounded in truth—this is theatre that works hard and hits home.

A sobering but stirring evening—Boys From The Blackstuff punches hard and leaves a lasting mark

Blackstuff  is at The Lowry until Saturday 26th April 2025. Tickets are available for purchase through the link provided below.

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If you would like more information about the show, please click the button below to visit the show's official website.

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Photo Credit - Alistair Muir

*Our tickets for this show were kindly gifted in exchange for an honest review.