Pig Heart Boy, adaptation by Winsome Pinnock - ★★★★★
Pig Heart Boy, a novel written by the acclaimed Noughts & Crosses author and 2013 - 2015’s Children's Laureate, Malorie Blackman, gets a modern and playful refresh for the stage 27 years after its publication. The production has its first showing in the heart of London at the Unicorn Theatre before it takes off on a national tour. Winsome Pinnock is responsible for adapting the text, and Tristan Fynn-Aiduenu does a stellar job at directing the entire cast, many of whom have multiple roles. This production is aimed at those aged 9 - 13 years old, but it is incredibly entertaining, and provides a wealth of introspection for both children and adults alike.
Paul Wills designs an electric set, with colour-changing fluorescent tubes wound round the climbable scaffolding. Televisions stuck on static are scattered around the stage and gradually evolve to display various images and moving graphics to help situate each scene from the leisure centre swimming pool, to the farm, and everything in between. There were a few technical screen glitches, but nothing significant enough to disrupt the pace of the piece. In the centre of the scaffolding structure is a bright red glowing circle that mimics a pumping heart, with a pulsating wave of sound laying the groundwork, and establishing the core of the storyline that explores poor health, and the quest to obtain optimal physical, mental, and emotional fitness.
The story follows Cameron (Immanuel Yeboah), a 13-year-old with a failing heart and no available human organ donors to help him live a longer life. With the clock ticking and no traditional options left, his parents Cathy (Christine During) and Mike (Akil Young), make the bold decision to have him meet with Dr. Bryce (Tré Medley), a medical professional experimenting with animal organs. This leads to the controversial choice of Cameron becoming the first person to receive a genetically modified pig heart. Eager for the chance, Cameron, still a schoolboy, has heartwarmingly simple and innocent motivations. His hope lies in gaining a fresh start to be able to swim, play, and socialise without the constant fear of his heart giving out.
As the performance progresses, we witness Cameron meet Trudy (Chia Phoenix), the very pig that will save his life, and the aftermath of the operation. Cameron is subject to more frequent health check-ups that he hoped to avoid once he got the new heart, and he has to come face-to-face with people who fundamentally disagree with his choices, including animal rights activists, and former friends. This is intertwined with a wealth of family disturbances where Cameron grapples with his sense of purpose. There are heavy themes within the play, but we are frequently reminded that he is still a young boy venturing into adolescence, and learning to navigate the highs and lows of friendship, romantic interests, and feeling misunderstood.This was beautifully illustrated in a magical moment when the auditorium was illuminated by a thousand star-shaped stencils, evoking a deep sense of whimsical nostalgia as Cameron adorned his room with glow-in-the-dark plastic stars, preserving his tender awe and curiosity.
Pig Heart Boy is a monumental success, and a necessary watch for those with kids. Noteworthy members of the cast Immanuel Yeboah, Christina Ngoyi, Chia Phoenix, Christine During and Akil Young seamlessly cover complex topics including healthcare ethics, animal rights, media conflict, and friction with familial and platonic relationships. All of this is done while maintaining the original essence of the novel, with additional creativity, comedy, and dynamic movement sequences by DK Fashola that leave a lasting impression. It’s hard to believe that so much was covered in 90 minutes, captivating both young and mature audience members. With tear-jerking moments ranging from joy to sorrow, the performance served as a poignant reminder that we can always learn from youthful experiences and discover meaningful motifs.
★★★★★
By Nadia Mantock
Pig Heart Boy is showing at the Unicorn Theatre until 22 February, followed by a nationwide tour that ends in June 2025.