Boys from the Blackstuff

Plays

Drama

Garrick Theatre

Duration

2 hrs 30 mins with interval

Closing Date

Until August 3, 2024

Age limit

Suitable for 10+

Why Watch Boys from the Blackstuff

Walk down memory lane with this critically acclaimed play about working-class struggles in a recession-hit Britain in the 80s.
Two-time Wales Theatre Awardee for Best Director, Kate Wasserberg, directs this adaptation of Alan Bleasdale's beloved BBC TV show of the same name.
With what the Guardian dubbed "powerful portrayals of working-class pride," laughter, tears, and Thatcher-era politics collide as friends fight to survive.
Did you know original TV show cast member, Andrew Schofield plays a different role on the stage? Book tickets for Boys from the Blackstuff to spot him!

Calling all fans of gritty social dramas and award-winning theatre! Originally a BBC TV series that the British Film Institute ranked 7th in the list of best TV programs from the 20th century, the play brings the raw energy and social commentary of the original to the stage. Adapted by James Graham (Sherwood), this production isn't just a nostalgia trip. The cast includes George Caple (Doctor Who) as Snowy, Dominic Carter (Coronation Street) as Molloy, Helen Carter (The Flint Street Nativity) as Miss Sutcliffe, Aron Julius (Death on the Nile) as Loggo, and more. Brace yourself for a moving story about a group of friends fighting for work, dignity, and the bonds of friendship.

Storyline

Boys from the Blackstuff throws you into the lives of Chrissie, Loggo, Yosser, and their mates – all working-class men facing a brutal struggle to make ends meet. With a wave of factory closures and dwindling opportunities, that was hard in the 1980s Liverpool. But these guys are survivors. Through laughter, tears, and the unyielding grit of working-class spirit, they navigate a world stacked against them. Will they find work? Will their friendships weather the storm? This poignant play explores the human capacity for resilience in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

Show timings

Show timings for Boys from the Blackstuff may vary every week. You can check the show timings for your preferred date at the next stage of booking.
BSL performance will take place on Saturday, 20th July 2024 at 7:30pm.
Captioned performance will take place on Wednesday, 31st July 2024, at 7:30pm.

Cast & Crew

Leading roles: George Caple, Dominic Carter, Helen Carter, Aron Julius, Nathan McMullen, Lauren O’Neil, Jamie Peacock, Barry Sloane, Philip Whitchurch and Mark Womack

Director: Kate Wasserberg

Book: James Graham

Writer: Alan Bleasdale

Garrick Theatre

The Garrick Theatre, located on Charing Cross Road near Trafalgar Square, first welcomed audiences on 24 April 1889 with Pinero’s The Profligate—financed by W. S. Gilbert and designed by Walter Emden & C. J. Phipps on top of a buried underground river. Named after the renowned 18th‑century actor David Garrick, it quickly became a West End favorite for comedies and melodrama. With its elegant gold‑leaf auditorium, richly detailed plasterwork, chandeliers, and intimate stalls and dress circle seating (originally four levels, now a cozy 656‑seat venue), audiences are transported back to Victorian‑era London—though the interior was fully restored in 1989 and the façade refreshed in 1997.Under ownership of Nimax Theatres since 2005, the Garrick has consistently mounted high‑profile comedies and dramas—think No Sex Please, We’re British (4‑year run), The Last Five Years, Hamnet, and The Crown Jewels. The Garrick Theatre seating plan can help you find the best seats in the theatre.

Getting There

Address: 2 Charing Cross Rd, London WC2H 0HH, UK
By metro:
The nearest tube station is the Leicester Square station (Picadilly Line and Northern Line - Charing Cross).
By train:
The nearest tube stations are Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly lines) and Charing Cross (Bakerloo and Northern lines).
By bus:
The bus routes that pass through the theatre are 3,6,9,11, 12, 23, 24, 87,88, 91, 139, and 453 (Trafalgar Square, 10-minute walk), and 24, 29, and 176 (Charring Cross Road, 5-minute walk).
By car:
You can also take other modes of transport including taxis. Since Garrick Theatre is within London’s Congestion Charge Zone a daily fee of £11.50 will be charged if you travel between 7 am to 6 pm.

Facilities & Accessibility

Amenities: Toilets, Dining outlets, Cloak room, Souvenir shop

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, Service animals allowed, Elevator access

Additional Information

Security: Please be aware that for your comfort and security, all audience members will be subject to security checks upon arrival at the Garrick Theatre.

Dress Code: Smart and casual wear is recommended. Keep in mind, that the theatre is air-conditioned throughout the year and can get a bit chilly.

Outside Food: Most theatres do not allow outside food inside the theatres but most of them also have a café or restaurant inside the premises or nearby.