There are few more famous BBC plays than Boys From The Blackstuff. First aired in 1982, and written by Alan Bleasdale, it was a portrait of life in Merseyside during a turbulent time in UK history.
Just a few years earlier, in 1979, Margaret Thatcher became prime minister, bringing to end a period of political uncertainty that culminated in the winter of discontent. But for many, those years were tough for a myriad of reasons.
Boys From The Blackstuff explored some of those stories, and was broadcast at a time when unemployment in the UK saw three million people out of work.
It told the story of a group of Liverpudlian tarmac layers – hence the blackstuff. They were all made redundant from their roles and needed to find ways to provide for their families.
What is the theatrical version of Boys From The Blackstuff like?
The play is once again set in 1980s Liverpool.
Chrissie, Loggo, George, Dixie and Yosser are used to hard work and providing for their families. But there is no work and there is no money.
What are they supposed to do?
Work harder, work longer, buy cheaper, spend less? They just need a chance.
Life is tough but the lads can play the game.
Find the jobs, avoid the ‘sniffers’ and see if you can have a laugh along the way.
This revival was first performed at Liverpool’s Royal Court in September 2023, before transferring to the National Theatre, and in London’s West End at the Garrick Theatre, where there were sold-out performances.
Adapted by James Graham and directed by Kate Wasserberg, the tour will be in the Theatre Royal Windsor from Wednesday, January 29. It is staged by Bill Kenwright Ltd.
The playwright said: “Alan Bleasdale’s masterpiece is, a story proudly forged in the humour and voice of Liverpool, and it was a real honour and a thrill to open it to packed houses there last year, before bringing our show to London and the West End.
“But Boys From the Blackstuff remains a story of national significance, with a lasting impact on British culture. Taking it on the road, to communities around the country, feels like the most important thing we could be doing next with our story.
“I’m delighted by the support and belief from Bill Kenwright Ltd, and Liverpool’s Royal Court that birthed it.”
And Alan Bleasdale is delighted that Boys From The Blackstuff is to get a new lease of life.
“I never expected Boys from the Blackstuff to be quite the sell-out sensation it has become at Liverpool’s Royal Court, at the National Theatre and then in London’s West End.
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“What I always hoped was that the rest of the country might have a chance to see this magnificent adaptation by James Graham. Now, that has been made possible by Bill Kenwright Ltd who have staged my theatre work since Are You Lonesome Tonight over 40 years ago.”
Other credits for the show include set and costume design by Amy Jane Cook, lighting design by Ian Scott, movement direction by Rachael Nanyonjo, original music and sound design by Dyfan Jones, video design by Jamie Jenkin and fight direction by Rachel Bown-Williams of Rc-Annie Ltd. Associate Director is Tim Welton.
Who is James Graham?
James Graham, who wrote Dear England – a portrait of England footballer and team manager Gareth Southgate starring Joseph Fiennes, was nominated for nine Olivier Awards and the BBC has commissioned a four-part drama by Graham based on this play.
His latest play, Punch, premiered at Nottingham Playhouse in May and his revised version will premiere at The Young Vic in March 2025.
This is based on Jacob Dunne’s book Right from Wrong, an unflinching true-life account of how teenager Jacob throws a single punch with fatal consequences and then, when released from prison, meets the parents of his victim.
Graham’s other writing includes The Way (BBC), Sherwood (BBC), Best of Enemies (Young Vic and Noel Coward Theatre), Quiz (Chichester’s Minerva Theatre, West End and ITV), Ink (Almeida Theatre, West End, Broadway) and This House (National Theatre).
When can I see Boys From The Blackstuff at Theatre Royal Windsor and how can I get tickets?
Boys From The Blackstuff starts its UK tour at the Theatre Royal Windsor on Wednesday, January 29, and runs until Saturday, February 8.
Curtain up is at 7.30pm nightly and there are matinees at 2.30pm on Thursdays and Saturdays during the run. The matinee performance on Thursday, February 6 will be audio described.
Tickets cost from £19.50.
For more details, call the box office on 01753 853888 or log on to: https://theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk/boys-from-blackstuff-25/
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