I, Daniel Blake

Dates: 22 Sep 2023 - 20 Oct 2023

Location: Liverpool -Everyman theatre

Social realism never felt so real. In 2016, a British drama film was released that highlighted the stark reality of the benefit system and it’s dysfunctional output especially when it comes to an individual who has a life threatening condition.

‘I, Daniel Blake’ starred Dave Johns as Daniel Blake, a middle- aged man who is denied Employment and Support Allowance despite being declared unfit to work by his doctor. The film also starred Hayley Squires as Katie, a struggling single mother whom Daniel befriends.

Let’s remind ourselves of it’s accuracy in this poignant story which touches a nerve to anyone who has dealt with the benefit system -

Now fans of the film can appreciate it again in the theatrical adaptation performing at The Everyman theatre in Liverpool from Friday September 22nd – Friday October 20th 2023.

Tickets are available to book from the following website link - https://www.visitliverpool.com/event/i-daniel-blake/54977101/

Please note – there is a recommended age limit of 12 + due to the adult language content.

When the original film came out it won the Palme d’Or at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival, the Prix du Public at the 2016 Locarno International Film Festival and the 2017 BAFTA Award for Outstanding British Film. It’s obvious why, it paints a picture of a real- life situation that many people can relate to.

When writer Paul Laverty and director Ken Loach collaborated together, they wanted to form a story that reached the heart and emotions for anyone who has been at the hands of the benefit system and has felt the frustration at their regimented method which leaves many people in utter and complete despair.

Experience the theatrical version and you may come away in tears.

^Alex Ashworth CCG Art Blogger