Pig Heart Boy – Liverpool Playhouse

Better to have a pig heart that works, that a human one that doesn’t, right?

Pig Heart Boy, based on the popular 1997 novel by Malorie Blackman of the same name and has been adapted for the stage by Winsome Pinnock. It is true to the book and has even been endorsed by Blackman herself. It tells the story of Cameron, a 13-year old boy who has had heart problems since he was ill as a child. Everyone treats him as though he’s a China cup, fragile and to be handled with care. When his father contacts Professor Bryce, things start to look up, after a failed attempt at a heart transplant. Or does it? Bryce has been working on a way to get pig hearts transplanted into humans, to help save more people. The story ends up in the media and what follows is how a young boys life changes – for the better and the worse.

The small cast of 8, led by Immanuel Yeboah as Cameron, are truly exceptional. The way that they are able to swap and change between characters so easily and quickly, is definitely something to be admired, with only Yeboah having one role to concentrate on throughout. For anyone familiar with the book, Cameron’s best friend is now Marilyn and Sticky Stuart (the class teacher) is now also a woman, but it doesn’t detract from the storytelling, if anything it just makes it a 21^st Century story, instead of a 20^th Century one.

For me, the set and the lighting were everything. How were we going to be transported from Cameron’s home to his school, the swimming pool and the Professor’s lab? It was a very clever and modern set, with speakers becoming different props, monitors showing different things at different times and neon lighting to show us which venue we were currently watching. Paul Wills and Andrew Exeter as designer and lighting designer respectively, it is clear they’ve worked well together to get their vision translated to the audience.

With direction from Tristan-Fynn-Aiduenu and movement direction from DK Fashola, you’d be forgiven for forgetting you are watching a show and are actually having a conversation with a friend, who is telling you an in-depth story, that you can see it unfolding in front of you. Everything feels so seamless and well-thought out.

It is a show that definitely has a lot of heart (pig and human!) and is definitely something for all the family to enjoy.

Pig Heart Boy is at the Liverpool Playhouse until 22^nd March, when it then continues on its UK tour. Tickets and tour dates are available from www.pigheartboyplay.co.uk

Reviewer: Jenn McKean

Reviewed: 18^th March 2025

North West End UK Rating: