Review: BOYS FROM THE BLACKSTUFF, Royal Court Liverpool

Fighting for unity and singing for strength. Through recession, hardship and a lot of Liverpudlian comedy, Boys from the Blackstuff follows five men who attempt to manage the struggles of life on the dole and how this affects family, relationships and friendships.

Liverpool. 1982. "Name, age, date of birth, are you currently employed?" Chrissie, Yosser, George, Loggo and Dixie repeatedly face these questions on their regular trips to the department for employment. Despite their desperate attempts to find work, the group are met with a flood of resistance, rejection and ruckus meaning their lives are made ever more difficult during the recession of 1980s Britain.

It is difficult to pick out one key performer within this piece as the ensemble are so connected, really upholding the unity during that period in spite of the recession around them. Their physical storytelling and use of song invites the audience into their community as they face the darkness of Thatcher's Britain.

During the second act, Yosser Hughes, played by Barry Sloane, connects with the audience through his comedic wit and deep narrative storytelling. His iconic lines of "Giz a job" and "I can do that!" never fail to bring joy and laughter to the surrounding audience. The skill that Sloane brings to the Royal Court stage is something that will make this show memorable for years to come.

From the opening image of a young man suspended from the sky, falling, it is clear to see that Boys from the Blackstuff is a performance of technical wonder and tricks. Set designer Amy Jane Cook brings the stage to life and puts the audience within the heart of the industrialised world of 1980s Liverpool. The set structure onstage imparts moments of marvel, however, the moving cranes in the opening sequence could have been used more frequently as they are highly skilled works of art to be shown off.

Tragedy and true devastation crossed with a fair amount of scouse humour is the only way to describe Boys from the Blackstuff. A play as hopeful as it is heartbreaking, the show reminds us that in struggle, there's always community.

A place where we can all find strength in suffering.

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Harley Keasey

Boys from the Blackstuff plays at the Royal Court Theatre, Liverpool until 28 October, with further information here.