PLAYHOUSE THEATRE, LIVERPOOL – UNTIL SATURDAY 22ND MARCH 2025
REVIEWED BY MIA BOWEN
4****
Malorie Blackman OBE, best known for her bestselling Nought & Crosses series, also wrote Pig Heart Boy, published in 1997, which was inspired by an article discussing the potential for human heart transplants from pigs in the future. While her novel initially fell into the category of speculative fiction, the first actual transplant occurred in 2022!
Now, Unicorn Theatre, Sheffield Theatres, and the Children’s Theatre Partnership have collaborated to create a stage adaptation of Blackman’s impactful novel. The adaptation is crafted by Winsome Pinnock and directed by Tristan Fynn-Aiduenu. This heart-warming production explores profound themes such as loyalty, honesty, friendship, family, integrity, ethical dilemmas, and emotional resilience, all seen through the eyes of a young boy wrestling with life-altering decisions.
This production is undoubtedly a faithful adaptation of the novel, maintaining the pre-social media setting and featuring very few alterations. We are introduced to our protagonist, Cameron, portrayed by Immanuel Yeboah. Cameron is a 13-year-old boy with a passion for swimming, who finds himself grappling with the pressing need for a heart transplant. However, there is a complication: he must decide whether to accept a pig’s heart and contemplate the potential changes this decision may bring, both positive and negative.
The cast is exceptional, particularly Yeboah in the role of Cameron, along with Chia Phoenix as both Nan and Trudy the pig. Their performances are striking and leave a lasting impression on the audience. The ensemble works brilliantly together, with all members, except Yeboah, seamlessly switching between roles and portraying characters that add depth to the narrative. The banter among the teenage characters is not only engaging but also genuinely amusing.
The production showcases stunning set design by Paul Wills, complemented by Andrew Exeter’s lighting and dynamic movement sequences by DK Fashola. These elements work together to create an immersive theatrical experience. The action seamlessly transitions between various settings, while consistently reminding us that Cameron’s condition remains at the heart of the narrative.
The play addresses complex themes while remaining accessible and relatable to its target audience of 9 to 13-year-olds. It is beautifully crafted and evokes feelings of inner strength, bravery, and love through the characters’ experiences.