‘Gizza job. Go on, gizzit’ Boys from the Blackstuff – Churchill Theatre, Bromley. 18.02.25

Both the original TV series that this play was adapted from, and the actual events the story is based around, pre-date me, so I had to do a bit of reading before attending to bring myself up-to-speed. However, as a history student I was fascinated to learn more about unemployment in the 1980s (I’ve been down a bit of a research rabbit hole since!)

If, like me, you aren’t familiar with the story, here’s the summary:

Gizza job. Go on, gizzit

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 jobs, avoid the ‘sniffers’ and see if you can have a laugh along the way.

James Graham’s powerful new adaptation of Alan Bleasdale’s BAFTA award-winning TV series is directed by Kate Wasserberg and comes to Bromley direct from the National Theatre and the West End.

From the one-line reviews I read, I was expecting something comedic, and although some of the dialogue contained some dark and dry humour, this is far from a comedy.

What I witnessed was raw, desperate and deeply compelling. We watch as the five former friends juggle unemployment office summons with cash-in-hand work, desperately searching for any work to keep food on the table. When Chrissie, played by George Caple, is threatened with an unannounced home visit, he sardonically responds ‘I’ll bake a cake’.

The first Act allows the audience to get to know each of the main characters whilst building intrigue – what was it that happened in Middlesborough? Chrissie (George Caple) is too nice for his own good. Dixie (Mark Womack) has parted ways with his once close friends, angry and unable to move on from their betrayal. Yosser (Jay Johnson) ‘hasn’t been right’ for a while but is likely to headbutt you if you point that out. Loggo (Jurell Carter) is young, seeking opportunity and his place in society, but he can’t find either in Liverpool. And finally ‘Uncle’ George (Ged McKenna), who is battling illness but who everyone goes to for advice.

Each is desperate in his own way, and all become bound by the tragedies that befall them. I found it intense and gripping, becoming desperate myself for even one of them to be given a way out of the circumstances they are in.

‘Gizza job’ is Yosser’s catchphrase, which he produces throughout with humorous effect. But his story is far from humorous, and his despair only increases as the play moves on. Beautifully portrayed by Jay Johnson, the audience is taken through a rang of emotions with Yosser; annoyance at first, moving to pity and even abject horror when the reason he’s ‘not right’ is revealed.

All of the actors do a terrific job of evoking sympathy from the audience for their particular situation. Ged McKenna as George is everyone’s grandad/uncle, with that wisdom that only comes with age and lived experience. Jurell Carter deserves acknowledgement for a solid performance in his theatrical debut.

Credit needs to be given to all of the Supporting Cast, who are exceptionally versatile and cover a broad array of roles each. A lot is achieved with the set and props, which changes quickly between the unemployment office, people’s homes, the pub and a building site, meaning the entire cast have to stay on their toes.

As a whole I found the play deeply moving; at times even harrowing. I don’t think it mattered that I wasn’t familiar with the times being depicted. It may be the history buff in me, but I certainly came out feeling inspired to learn more about the real events in that period, which in itself is a compliment to the cast and crew responsible for this production. My attention was captured throughout.

Boys from the Blackstuff is playing at the Churchill until Saturday 22 February. Tickets can be found here. I can absolutely recommend a visit.