Jay Johnson Archives - North West End UK

Boys from the Blackstuff – Regent Theatre, Stoke

12Jun

By Angela KellyNo Comments

North West

Boys from the Blackstuff – Regent Theatre, Stoke

This week the Regent Theatre is host to an Alan Bleasdale classic. Directed by Kate Wasserberg and with a new adaption by James Graham, the BAFTA winning "Boys from the Blackstuff" is currently touring directly from the West End. A show that maybe familiar with some of the audience from its success as a TV series almost 40 years ago, it was curious to see how the story would translate on stage. The story is set in 80s Liverpool and depicts the lives of a group of workers who are desperately trying to provide for themselves and their loved ones. In many ways it could almost be a commentary on recession during the reign of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher because with little money around, the story highlights how life at this time for many in Liverpool was one long, arduous strug...

23Apr

By Jan MellorNo Comments

North West

Boys from the Black Stuff – The Lowry

I was born in the 60’s, so remember clearly and with fondness, the series by the infamous Liverpudlian writer Alan Bleasdale – “The Boys from the Black Stuff”- the Black Stuff being the tar that a high number of men spent tarmacking the expanding roads of Britain in their days of employment. The first showing of the iconic programme was aired on BB2 – then a channel that had low ratings/viewers- on 10/10/82 but through its immediate popularity with viewers, moved to the main channel of the day – BBC1. The series depicted the stark reality of how working-class families were devastated by the lack of employment opportunities (more than 3 million people through this decade were unemployed – the highest figure for over 50 years) in this difficult decade. Alan Bleasdale told the story ...

Boys From The Blackstuff – Richmond Theatre

13Feb

By Olivia CoxNo Comments

London

Boys From The Blackstuff – Richmond Theatre

James Graham is one of the most celebrated playwrights working in the UK today, and Boys From The Blackstuff is one of the newest jewels in his crown. Starting off at Liverpool’s Royal Court in 2023 before transferring to the National Theatre and the Garrick Theatre last year, Boys From The Blackstuff is now embarking on a UK tour to treat more audiences across the country to its masterful blend of brilliant writing, heartbreaking characters, and deeply evocative depiction of 1980’s Liverpool. Based on Alan Bleasdale’s era-defining BBC drama of the same name, Boys From The Blackstuff weaves together the stories of five men: Dixie (Mark Womack), Chrissie (George Caple), Loggo (Jurell Carter), Yosser (Jay Johnson), and George (Ged Mckenna). As we watch them navigate life in a city plunged...

A Greasy Spoon – Liverpool’s Royal Court

2Aug

By Daniel CoxNo Comments

North West

A Greasy Spoon – Liverpool’s Royal Court

A Greasy Spoon started its life as part of the Everyman’s new writing showcase written by Alice Bunker-Whitney. Alice is described by Kevin Fearon (Liverpool Royal Courts Executive Producer) as “a great new writing talent”. So, it’s no wonder the Royal Court has made this production its new home for the next four weeks. A Greasy Spoon is set in ‘Scrantastic’ which is just your completely normal ‘caff’ and takes you on the journey with your completely normal workers Mandy & Shannon. Honestly, it sounds quite bland when you put it like that. But, if you’re a regular at the Royal Court you know their productions are anything but normal and absolutely anything but bland. I wouldn’t want to give too much away but you can expect MURDEROUS laughter from the audience and a lesson that wh...

Whatever Happened to Billy Kenny? – Liverpool Theatre Festival

23Jul

By Donna M DayNo Comments

North West

Whatever Happened to Billy Kenny? – Liverpool Theatre Festival

The 2023 Liverpool Theatre Festival once again sees writer, Ian Salmon and director, Mikee Dickinson united for another poignant and emotional piece about the complexities of life and regret. Whatever Happened to Billy Kenny? is a one-man show performed by Jay Johnson which rockets at breakneck speed through the short and dramatic career of an Evertonian footballer who was derailed by his heavy use of alcohol and cocaine. The play opens with voiceovers talking about Kenny and everything he has thrown away. The disembodied voices disintegrate into Johnson’s creation of a club scene where he does a remarkable job of creating the illusion of a crowded nightlife alone on an empty stage. The voiceovers then repeat with overlap and distortion, creating a real sense of anxiety and panic. Jo...