James Graham’s adaptation of Alan Bleasdale’s Boys from the Blackstuff comes to the Lowry

Salford audiences are set to be entertained as James Graham’s adaptation of Alan Bleasdale’s Boys from the Blackstuff comes to the Lowry this April.

The production by Bill Kenwright LTD will visit the Salford theatre as a part of its 20-venue tour – with Salford guests invited to visit the show from Monday 22 April until its final showcase on Sunday 26 April.

James Graham’s powerful adaptation of Alan Bleasdale’s BAFTA award-winning television drama has picked up rave reviews since it premiered at Liverpool’s Royal Court in September 2023.

Directed by Kate Wasserberg, the show will follow the characters Chrissie, Loggo, George, Dixie, and Yosser in Liverpool to the 1980s, who are used to demanding work and providing for their families.

However, they are dealt with an issue, there is no work and there is no money, and they do not know what to do? Work harder, work longer, buy cheaper, spend less? They just need a chance.

Throughout the production, Lowry audiences will be shown that although life is tough the lads can play the game – finding jobs, avoiding the ‘sniffers’ and see if you can have a laugh along the way.

Ahead of the performance James Graham said: “Alan Bleasdale’s masterpiece is, a story proudly forged in the humour and voice of Liverpool.

“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.”

He continued: “But 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. I’m delighted by the support and belief from Bill Kenwright Ltd, and Liverpool’s Royal Court that birthed it.”

The performance will see George Caple play Chrissie, Jurell Carter play Loggo, Jay Johnson takes on the role of Yosser, Ged McKenna play George and Mark Womack is Dixie.

James Graham’s acclaimed adaptation will capture the story of the Liverpool-based playwright, screenwriter, and writer Alan Bleasdale’s BAFTA award-winning TV series – and ahead of the tour he who spoke excitedly about the success.

Alan said: “I never expected Boys from the Blackstuff to be quite the sell-out sensation it has become at Liverpool’s Royal Court, at the National Theatre and then in London’s West End.

“What I always hoped was that the rest of the country might have a chance to see this magnificent adaptation by James Graham. Now, that has been made possible by Bill Kenwright Ltd who have staged my theatre work since Are You Lonesome Tonight over forty years ago!”

Guests will be able to watch the production at the Lowry from Tuesday 22 April to Saturday 26 April, with tickets available from £20.00 – more information can be found here.