5 reasons you need to see Boys from the Blackstuff at Liverpool's Royal Court

Alan Bleasedale’s darkly comic TV series Boys from the Blackstuff was a massive hit in the 80s, with its exploration of the misery of long-term unemployment striking a chord with audiences in a poverty-stricken Britain.

The powerful new stage adaptation of Boys from the Blackstuff by James Graham is now at Liverpool’s Royal Court and is must-watch for anyone interested in the city’s recent history.

Here are 5 reasons you need to check it out.

It’s written by James Graham

One of Britain’s most revered directors, James Graham OBE, is a multi-award-winning playwright and screenwriter. His work includes BBC’s Sherwood, which aired to rave reviews last year and Quiz, one of ITV’s most-watched dramas of 2020.

Graham’s stage plays such as This House, Labour of Love, and Best of Enemies have received countless award nominations, whilst his first musical, Finding Neverland, enjoyed an 18-month run on Broadway.

His adaptation of Boys from the Blackstuff is a captivating mix of black comedy, snappy dialogue and heart-wrenching honesty that paints a stark portrait of life in 80’s Liverpool.

The cast is phenomenal

Starring stage and screen legends Barry Sloane as Yosser, Mark Womack as Dixie and Andrew Schofield as George, the cast list reads like a who’s who of Liverpool acting talent.

Audiences are in for a treat as the actors make the iconic characters their own and deliver standout performances across the board.

A special mention must go to Barry Sloane for a tour-de-force portrayal of Yosser Hughes, who is terrifying and pitiful in equal measure.

Dominic Carter, George Caple, Helen Carter, Oliver Mawdsely, Aron Julius, Nathan McMullen and Lauren O’Neil complete the all-star ensemble line-up.

It’s a history lesson

Boys from the Blackstuff. Credit: Royal Court

Although Boys from the Blackstuff is set only 40 years ago, it’s easy to forget what life was like for working-class Liverpudlians in the early 1980s.

The show is a timely reminder of how tough the times were and the difficulties faced by many in their struggle to provide for their families.

In recession-hit Liverpool, there was no work and no money. The Boys from The Blackstuff is an eye-opening exploration of the risks people would take to earn a living.

For the laughs

You can always expect a good laugh at Liverpool’s Royal Court. And despite the bleak setting, Boys from the Blackstuff certainly delivers on the comedy front.

The script is packed with hilarious one-liners to lighten the mood, and you won’t fail to raise a smile each time Yosser utters his immortal phrase, ‘Gizza job.’

This is self-deprecating, salt-of-the-earth Scouse humour done properly.

It’s on at The Royal Court

Directed by award-winning UK director Kate Wasserburg, with outstanding performances and a strikingly atmospheric set, Liverpool’s Royal Court is the ideal stage for Boys from the Blackstuff.

The show is on now and runs until October 28th.

If you’ve not tried it before, we recommend upgrading your ticket and dining at the theatre before the show.