Boys From The Blackstuff Reviews

Boys From The Blackstuff Reviews Illustration

Box office tickets

Instantly confirmed to your phone

Choose your seats

The view you want, every time

Exclusive deals & discounts

Save big on London's best shows

Book and relax

Trusted by NaN million guests and counting

4.3
4 reviews

Awesome

2

Good

1

Average

1

Poor

0

Terrible

0

Here’s what we think: Review by Headout

From the first ‘Gizza job’, to the culminating scene that will likely make everyone cry critically acclaimed playwright James Graham's version of the hit series is far from his usual style. With close collaboration alongside the original writer Alan Bleasdale, he takes you on an unexpected journey back to the landmark 1982 TV drama, set in recession-hit Britain. The heart-wrenching tale, of five working-class men living on the edge of distress, is broken apart and reformatted for the stage. Graham cleverly masks their internal struggles with misplaced humor and violent outbursts. His work is fresh, skillful, and unapologetically real. And the resultant production has the qualities of a dramatic period piece, oddly reminiscent of 21st-century London. 

Read more
Critic reviews
User reviews

Andrzej Lukowski,

Time Out
May 2024
4/5

"How do you adapt one of the all-time great British TV series of the ‘80s for the ‘20s stage? ‘Very respectfully’ is the answer offered by James Graham’s version of Alan Bleasdale’s ‘Boys from the Blackstuff’."

Mark Fisher,

The Guardian
Sep 2023
4/5

“James Graham’s funny and violent TV adaptation belies a sensitive study of male mental health, as right-wing economics hits a group of road layers’ lives”

May 2024
4/5

“This is a blast from the past which still echoes today: flawed but stirring.”

Sarah Hemming,

The Financial Times
May 2024
4/5

"Graham’s version makes plain how this is a story about mental health and male identity as much as economics and politics."

Reviews

Hamilton

Experience
Kimberley Arnett
The performance took you on a journey through the late 1700s America, capturing the life of Alexander Hamilton until his death in 1804. The stage set... the ambience... every scene made you feel like you were right there in every room with him. Overall the musical was captivating and very entertaining from start to finish. Cudos to the cast for a job well done!
Mar 2026
Show all reviews

Les Misérables

Experience
Ayman El Khatib
Everything was organized. The show was amazing. Show started on time, staff was very helpful and friendly, i guess i would watch it again and recommend it to others.
Mar 2026
Show all reviews

Kinky Boots

Experience
Nneka Alleyne
Staff were incredibly friendly, visible and helpful for navigating the theater. It was a phenomenal show with incredibly talented actors. There wasn't a dry eye in the house and it truly made everyone in the audience feel seen!
Mar 2026

Disney's Hercules

Experience
Nneka Alleyne
Staff were incredibly friendly, visible and helpful for navigating the theater. The production faced a technically issue about two minutes into the show, leading to a delay of approx. 40 minutes. While this was unfortunate, crew kept us in the loop and once the show resumed it ran smoothly. It was a phenomenal show with incredibly talented actors.
Mar 2026
Show all reviews

Oliver!

Experience
Nneka Alleyne
Staff were incredibly friendly, visible and helpful for navigating the theater. The production ran smoothly and on time, and was a phenomenal show with incredibly talented actors.
Mar 2026
Show all reviews

Mamma Mia!

Experience
Tiffany J Mockford
My daughters and I were so excited to see Mamma Mia on our first trip to London! We met our aunt, and a dear family friend, before the show for a Mamma Mia high tea and then we watched the musical. The theatre is gorgeous, and the cast had such energy. We loved it.
Mar 2026
Show all reviews

The Lion King

Experience
Christine Lüer
My 8-year-old daughter and I had a wonderful afternoon watching *The Lion King* and can really recommend it to everyone!!!
Mar 2026
Show all reviews

Back to the Future

Experience
Stéphanie Vennettilli
Amazing! We came all the way from France just for this, and we really don't regret it. The staging is incredible. It goes without saying—you English are the best when it comes to theater.
Mar 2026
Show all reviews

ABBA Voyage

Experience
Nicole Sibbe
The concert was just amazing—the special effects alone were sensational. I’d go see it again in a heartbeat. It’s just great how ABBA pulled it off, and the organizers too.
Mar 2026
Show all reviews