Based on the infamous TV series by Alan Bleasdale, this production contains all the familiar characters and catchphrases from the original series.
The cast in Boys From The Blackstuff | Photo © Alastair Muir
’80s 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.
Against an evocative design by Amy Jane Cook and projections from video designer Jamie Jenkin this production brings out the poverty and despair of those unemployed in the early 80s.
Jay Johnson (Yosser), Ged McKenna (George), Mark Womack (Dixie), George Caple (Chrissie), Jurell Carter (Loggo) and Reiss Barber as (Snowy) bring the team to life.
Their black humour and desperate situation is evident and believable. Jamie Peacock and Sean Kingsley multi role with great dexterity as we roll with the punches and tensions of each character.
The mix of realism against the physical theatre is effective and allows moments of violence to be highlighted effectively.
The wide range of ages in the audience reflects the appeal of this production and it was greeted with huge applause by the full house. It is hard to not reflect on the continuing economic crisis in the current era and at times this could be a current and contemporary look at society today.
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Reviewer: Petra Schofield
