Boys from the Blackstuff is off to London and also set to return to Liverpool's Royal Court

Boys from the Blackstuff is back on stage in Liverpool this year at the Royal Court from 19 April – 11 May followed by a run at the National Theatre.

Following its acclaimed run at Liverpool’s Royal Court last year, James Graham’s powerful new adaptation of Alan Bleasdale’s seminal TV show Boys from the Blackstuff is back for 2024.

The show, which wowed audiences and critics alike, will return to Liverpool’s Royal Court for three weeks, before transferring to the National Theatre for a two week run.

Alan Bleasedale’s darkly comic TV series Boys from the Blackstuff was a massive television 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 production is directed by Kate Wasserberg, with original cast members George Caple, Dominic Carter, Helen Carter, Aron Julius, Nathan McMullen, Lauren O’Neil, Barry Sloane and Mark Womack returning.

In 1980s Liverpool, life is tough as Chrissie, Loggo, George, Dixie and Yosser play the game. But there is no work and no money. What are they supposed to do? Find jobs, avoid the ‘sniffers’, work harder, work longer, buy cheaper, spend less? All whilst having a laugh along the way.

Boys from the Blackstuff. Credit: Royal Court

Kevin Fearon is Executive Producer at Liverpool’s Royal Court and he said:

“In 18 years of producing theatre by and for Liverpool, shows haven’t come any bigger than Boys From The Blackstuff. To be able to bring this fantastic piece of work back to the Court before it transfers to the National is as exciting as much as it is a real honour.”

Liverpool’s Royal Court 19 April to 11 May with press night on 24 April

Olivier Theatre 22 May–8 June, with press night on 29 May.