Boys From The Blackstuff, which is on at the Lowry’s Lyric Theatre, is a very faithful reworking of Alan Bleasdale’s 5-part series that was first broadcast on BBC1 on October 10th, 1982. It somehow manages to condense things into just over 2½ hours (including the interval) and full marks must go to the entire cast, creative team, and set designers for taking us back in time so well. They brought back some very mixed memories of those days.
The setting is Liverpool when nationally there are over 3 million people unemployed and Chrissie, Loggo, Yosser, Dixie, and Snowy – 5 men who are on the dole – are under investigation for labouring (moonlighting) whilst also claiming benefits. Each of them has their own issues, and the play is about how to cope (or not) when everything is stacked against you. It’s from the original series that Yosser’s mantra “giz’ a job” entered the lexicon.
There is a lot of black humour with some horrible moments, but there are moments of tenderness too as events engulf not just the five, but their partners as well. Gas being cut off, no food in the house, evictions, looting, and death are all there. And, whilst it’s perhaps unfair to single anyone out, as all those on stage were excellent, the outstanding performance must be Jay Johnson’s of Yosser for his portrayal of the mental anguish his character is going through.
It would also be unfair to give any more spoilers, except perhaps for one very funny scene in the second half where Amber has been told to lock herself into the house and admit nobody as they are under surveillance. That was a rare moment of levity amongst the encircling gloom.
We also saved money at the bar with our Canal St Card.
Boys From The Blackstuff continues at The Lowry until the 26th.
Paul Schofield for Canal Street Online.