The Slab Boys
In the technicolour confines of the slab room of A. F. Stobo & Co. Carpet Factory in Paisley, young boys have to grow up fast. Strutting adolescent double act Phil and Spanky are passing the time with an endless verbal tug o’ war and merciless ribbing of their workmates and boss. But even the distractions of the annual staff dance, the monthly pay packet or the unattainable Lucille can’t stop Phil from dreaming of becoming an artist.John Byrne’s funny and poignant play paints a vivid picture of the tough, rebellious, working-class culture of 1950s industrial Scotland. The original creators revive this landmark theatre show for the stage in a major new production.The Slab Boys will tour to King's Theatre Edinburgh 10 - 14 March. MORE INFO
Take home a bit of history
The Slab Boys poster is available to buy from our online store. Part of our Artwork from the Archives series.Dates
AT THE CITIZENS THEATRE
AT THE KING’S THEATRE EDINBURGH
BOOK TICKETS FOR EDINBURGH PERFORMANCES
Read and download the programme
Previews 12/13 Feb
Audio Described: 25 Feb, 7.30pm
Signed: 27 Feb, 7.30pm
Captioned: 5 Mar, 7.30pm
Post Show Discussion: 3 Mar
Wheelchair Access
Guide Dogs welcome
Induction Loop
Activities for Schools
Watch schools interviews with John Byrne and David Hayman
REVIEWS
“David Hayman rolls back the clock with impressive revival of John Byrne’s Scots classic
The Big Issue ★★★★
“glitteringly complex piece of drama”
The Scotsman ★★★★
“As Phil and Spanky, Sammy Hayman and Jamie Quinn spark off each other like razors”
Evening Times ★★★★
PRESS
“we’ve always had a really collaborative experience”
David Hayman Snr and David Hayman Jnr talk to Brian Didcock about working together on The Slab Boys in the Sunday Herald
“suddenly I’ve got a piece of work that reflects my culture, my background, my longings, my dreams, my aspirations”
David Hayman and John Byrne speak with Neil Cooper about the origins of The Slab Boys in The Herald
“I’d never seen myself on stage – or anyone like me. I never saw anything about my culture.”
John Byrne and David Hayman in The Guardian
“Young people still have dreams and aspirations”
David Hayman and John Byrne talk to STV Glasgow about reviving The Slab Boys in 2015.
”‘It is still so very familiar…It’s just a different generation playing it: they are newly ripe.’
John Byrne tells Gareth K Vile why his 1957 tale is as relevant now as it was in 1978 in The List
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Cast & Creative Team
Written by John Byrne Directed by David Hayman Designed by John Byrne Lighting Design by Jeanine Byrne Assistant Director David Hayman JnrCAST
Plooky Jack James Allenby-Kirk Alan Kieran Baker Hector Scott Fletcher Mr Currie David Hayman Phil Sammy Hayman Sadie Kathryn Howden Lucille Keira Lucchesi Spanky Jamie Quinn
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