Boys from the Blackstuff was a five-episode British drama series, originally broadcast in 1982 on BBC2. Written by Alan Bleasdale, it told the story of a group of friends in 1980s Liverpool – Chrissie, Loggo, George, Dixie and Yosser – all out of work and trying to get by in tough times. The series won a BAFTA for Best Drama in 1983 and was later ranked seventh in a British Film Institute poll of the best TV programmes of the 20th century.
Now, it’s been adapted for the stage by James Graham and directed by Kate Wasserberg. The play stays true to the original’s gritty, funny and heartbreaking tone, following the lads as they battle the dole, their pride, and a system that’s grinding them down. It’s a powerful piece that really makes you think.
The play is funny at times and touches on the harsh realities of unemployment in 1980s Britain. The character of Yosser – played incredibly by Jay Johnson – is where things take a darker turn. His story shines a light on male mental health, capturing a state of mind that’s both fragile and terrifying. Chrissie, played by George Caple, also stands out. His struggle with unemployment is clearly taking a toll on his home life, with his relationship with his wife pushed to the edge. He’s a proud man, and while the pressure is mounting, he refuses to take just any job – a decision that highlights the emotional weight and identity wrapped up in work.
A lot of the actors took on multiple roles, and their ability to switch and swap between characters was fantastic. It added real energy to the production and showed off the cast’s range – sometimes shifting tone or personality in just a moment, without ever losing the flow of the story.
The set, lighting and sound all worked really well to bring the world of Boys from the Blackstuff to life. The staging made great use of space, with the Liverpool docks – complete with gantries and cranes – creating a strong visual backdrop. Video projections added a real sense of place, while the sound design stood out, especially the ensemble songs that echoed sea shanties. I love a sea shanty, so I really enjoyed this touch – it offered a brief moment of lift and reflection before the show shifted back into its darker, more emotional territory.
One of my favourite moments for laughs came from Sian Polhill-Thomas, in her role as Dixie’s wife. In one scene, Dixie tells her not to answer the door because the dole office is investigating them – and chaos follows. She ends up juggling someone at the front door, the back door, and a phone call all at once. The whole audience was in stitches. Little snippets like this were brilliant for breaking up what can be a heavy and dark show, adding just the right amount of humour and light relief.
Boys from the Blackstuff runs at the Theatre Royal Brighton until Saturday 21st June 2025, with performances at 7:30pm on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and matinees on Wednesday and Saturday at 2:30pm. Click HERE to book.
