A Story of Pride, Despair, Resilience

Review: Boys from the Blackstuff

Written by Alan Bleasdale

Adapted by James Graham

Directed by Kate Wasserberg

Photo Credits by Alistair Muir

Review by David Bithell

James Graham’s stage adaptation of Alan Bleasdale’s iconic 1982 TV series transforms powerful social commentary into a poignant, sharply drawn piece of theatre. Directed by Kate Wasserberg, the production has resonated strongly—from Liverpool to London’s West End and beyond.

A Story of Pride, Despair, Resilience. Set against the economic suffering of 1980s Liverpool, the play follows five labourers—Chrissie, Loggo, Dixie, George, Snowy, and Yosser—as they face unemployment and its dehumanising effects. With the dole office (‘the sniffers’) constantly monitoring them, the men cling onto their dignity amid hardship. Graham weaves together their stories into a resonant ensemble drama. Yosser Hughes remains central and unforgettable. Jay Johnson’s portrayal captures the tragic mix of humour, rage, and heartbreak—his plea “gizza job” and breakdowns define the show’s emotional power. Chrissie, played by George Caple, embodies a morality at war with survival, especially in his explosive confrontation with Angie (Amber Blease), which brings astonishing emotional realism. The ensemble delivers sterling work: Dixie (Mark Womack), Loggo (Jurell Carter), and George (Ged McKenna) create a vivid portrait of men battered by circumstance but held by camaraderie.

Amy Jane Cook’s industrial set—girder-like structures and looming cranes—paired with Jamie Jenkin’s brooding Projections of Liverpool, evokes the city as a near-character. The staging blends naturalism with stylised sequences—most strikingly Yosser’s slow-motion clash with police—heightening emotional intensity (we were still talking about this as we made our way to the car home).

Although rooted in the Thatcher era, the play speaks sharply to contemporary woes: job insecurity, austerity, male mental health, and community erosion. The script remains faithful to Bleasdale’s vision—funny, furious, and fiercely compassionate—while reshaping it for a modern stage.

Boys from the Blackstuff is compelling, emotional, socially urgent and profoundly human. At its heart, it’s about individuals battling to be seen in a world that tells them to vanish. The performances are immersive, the staging fresh yet grounded, and the message still resonates. A deeply affecting revival of a British classic.

Boys from the Blackstuff at The Regent Theatre, Hanley until Saturday 14th June. For tickets visit Boys From the Blackstuff | June 2025 | Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Stoke | ATG Tickets