Photo credit Alistair Muir
The Regent transforms to 80’s Liverpool as hard hitting drama ‘Boys From The Blackstuff’ comes to the Regent on the latest leg of its 2025 UK tour.
Based on the TV drama series written by Alan Bleasdale transmitting from 10 October to 7 November 1982, the stage play premiered in 2023.
Following the dwindling fortunes and hopes of Chrissie, Loggo, George, Dixie and Yosser, the boys are used to hard work and providing for their families, but there is no work and no money. Through their struggles, Bleasdale sheds light on the devastating impact of unemployment, poverty, and social inequality on individuals and communities.
It’s a powerful exploration of working-class life, unemployment, and the struggles of the human spirit. The characters are complex and multifaceted, with each one bringing their own unique voice and perspective to the story, dealing with the hopelessness of their situation in very different ways.
The writing is fantastic, capturing the rhythms and nuances of working-class Liverpool, the characters’ conversations are both poignant and humorous.
The ‘Boys’ are played by George Caple (Chrissie), Jurell Carter (Loggo), Jay Johnson (Yosser), Ged McKenna (George) and Mark Womack (Dixie). They were tour-de-force performances in character acting, delivery being both at times hilarious and heartbreaking. The chemistry between the main cast was absolutely key to the way the production hits the audience and they got it spot on showcasing the desperation and frustration of being pushed to the edge by the system.
Amy Jane Cook’s set, Ian Scott’s lighting and Jamie Jenkin’s video effects adds much to the production. The metallic, battered and worn industrial set demonstrating the cold and harshness. The murky lighting and video effects further emphases the atmosphere.
Despite being written over four decades ago, “Boys from the Blackstuff” remains a timely and relevant commentary on the human cost of austerity and the struggles of those most affected.
It’s gritty, gripping and poignant, with fantastic character acting. The show is on until 14th June and tickets are available from the box office or online here: https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/boys-from-the-blackstuff/regent-theatre/
