The cast for James Graham’s adaptation of Alan Bleasdale’s Boys from the Blackstuff, coming to the Liverpool Empire Theatre in March 2025, is announced today.
Following sold out seasons at Liverpool’s Royal Court and the National Theatre, and in London’s West End at the Garrick Theatre, the production hits the road in 2025, returning to Liverpool at the iconic Empire Theatre in the venue’s 100th birthday year.
It’s 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.
CAST
George Caple plays Chrissie, Jurell Carter plays Loggo, Jay Johnson takes on the role of Yosser, Ged McKenna plays George and Mark Womack is Dixie. Reiss Barber plays Snowy, Amber Blease plays Angie, Kyle Harrison-Pope is Kevin, Sean Kingsley is Malloy, Jamie Peacock is Moss, and Sian Polhill-Thomas plays Ms Sutcliffe. They are joined by Graham Elwell, Elliot Kingsley and Victoria Oxley.
“Alan Bleasdale’s masterpiece is a story proudly forged in the humour and voice of Liverpool, and it was a real honour and a thrill to open it to packed houses there last year, before bringing our show to London and the West End,” says James Graham. “Boys From the Blackstuff remains a story of national significance, with a lasting impact on British culture. Taking it on the road, to communities around the country, feels like the most important thing we could be doing next with our story.”
Boys from the Blackstuff is directed by Kate Wasserberg (Artistic Director, Theatr Clwyd), with set and costume design by Amy Jane Cook, lighting design by Ian Scott, movement direction by Rachael Nanyonjo, original music and sound design by Dyfan Jones, video design by Jamie Jenkin and fight direction by Rachel Bown-Williams of Rc-Annie Ltd. Associate Director is Tim Welton.
ABOUT JAMES GRAHAM
James Graham’s Dear England (National Theatre and West End), a portrait of England footballer and team manager Gareth Southgate starring Joseph Fiennes, was nominated for nine Olivier Awards and the BBC has commissioned a four-part drama by Graham based on his play. His latest play, Punch, premiered at Nottingham Playhouse in May and his revised version will premiere at The Young Vic in March 2025. It is based on Jacob Dunne’s book Right from Wrong, an unflinching true-life account of how teenager Jacob throws a single punch with fatal consequences and then, when released from prison, meets the parents of his victim. Graham’s other writing includes The Way (BBC), Sherwood (BBC), Best of Enemies (Young Vic and Noel Coward Theatre), Quiz (Chichester’s Minerva Theatre, West End and ITV), Ink (Almeida Theatre, West End, Broadway) and This House (National Theatre).
LISTINGS
Boys From the Blackstuff
Tuesday 25th March – Saturday 29th March 2025
Liverpool Empire Theatre
https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/boys-from-the-blackstuff/liverpool-empire