Boys from the Blackstuff - Liverpool/NT/Garrick/Tour

I saw the matinee of BOYS FROM THE BLACKSTUFF this afternoon (20th July). I have not seen the original TV series that this is based on, so knew nothing about it going in. I am however a huge fan of James Graham’s work, which is why I went to this in the first place.

Part comedy, slapstick, real-life drama and social commentary, this play had a lot going for it.

The first act took me a while to get into - I’m not sure why. The first death (by tragic accident) did not pack the emotional punch for me that it should have done. I think it was just too early in the play. The first act is also very fast paced, with lots happening, but therefore has little time to truly get to know the characters, so you do not have the attachment to them that you have by the end.

For me, the second act is where this truly hits its stride. Funny and emotional, turning from one to the other on a dime in that brilliant way that Graham does, making me cry multiple times. I was really invested in these characters and their plight. No one character was the emotional heart of the piece. Each had their own story and narrative arc, even the female characters. They felt truly fleshed out and ‘real’, helped by the performances of the actors who inhabited their roles. The scene showing Yosser’s final decline at the end, with the change into slow motion was heart-stopping. The second death, and the quiet, introspective moment that follows was heartbreaking.

I liked the set and the use of music, with the use of song peppered throughout incredibly moving at times The audience today spontaneously joined in with ‘It Must Be Love’ at the interval.

The audience clearly loved this, and gave this a rapturous ovation at the end. It was more than well deserved.

I will certainly now be watching the original TV series over the Summer.

4 stars.

Can’t find a full list but also at the Lowry, Richmond and Liverpool Empire.

You’d think BK Ltd would have an accurate list of tour stops in their website. But no.

They’re also touring the Cruel Intentions musical early next year, but only a handful of the venues have announced it, and the Kenwright website just shows the Other Palace run. It’s like they don’t want people to book tickets.