Following sold out seasons at Liverpool’s Royal Court, at the National Theatre, and in
London’s West End at the Garrick Theatre, a powerful new stage adaptation of Alan Bleasdale’s BAFTA award-winning TV series Boys from the Blackstuff is set to stop off at Canterbury’s Marlowe Theatre from Tuesday 24 to Saturday 28 June during its 20-venue UK tour.

Based in ‘80s Liverpool, the story centres around Chrissie, Loggo, George, Dixie and Yosser, who 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 they can have a laugh along the way.

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.

The show has picked up rave reviews since it premiered at Liverpool’s Royal Court in September 2023. Directed by Kate Wasserberg, the tour includes a return to its home city at the Liverpool Empire, also taking in cities including Derby, Leeds and Brighton, before making its way to Kent.

James Graham said: “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.”

Alan Bleasdale 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!”

James Graham’s Dear England (National Theatre and West End), which is also arriving at the Marlowe Theatre this October, was nominated for nine Olivier Awards and the BBC has commissioned a four part drama by Graham based on his play. Graham’s other writing includes The Way (BBC), Sherwood (BBC), Best of Enemies (Young Vic and Noel Coward Theatre), and This House (National Theatre).

Alan Bleasdale is a Liverpool-based playwright, screenwriter and writer. His playwrighting work includes Are You Lonesome Tonight?, Down the Dock Road and Having a Ball. TV credits include Boys from the Blackstuff, Oliver Twist and The Sinking of the Laconia, while his film resume includes No Surrender. Bleasdale has also authored two novels and numerous short stories.

Tickets start from £17 and are available to book at marlowetheatre.com