📍Unicorn Theatre, London

⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐

Cameron is a 13 year old boy dealing with the ups and downs of high school life; friendships, maths homework and his huge crush on Julie. However, on top of this, he also has to contend with a debilitating heart condition which causes his classmates to treat him with a delicate caution, and which seems to be the cause of several arguments between his parents. Despite this, Cameron approaches life with a boisterous enthusiasm and determination, and so when he is offered the chance to be the first human to receive a pig’s heart in a transplant operation, he embraces the opportunity.

Malorie Blackman’s novel Pig Heart Boy was critically acclaimed when first published almost 30 years ago, and this production by Winsome Pinnock further justifies its popularity by breathing fresh life into the life-affirming tale. As a piece of children’s theatre, the storytelling is magnetising in its visuals; it’s recommended age encompasses children on the cusp of teenagerhood, though anyone watching this will be hooked in to its electric energy, no matter their age.

Tristan Flynn-Aiduenu, celebrated rising star director, steers this ship beautifully. The momentum rarely drops from the first moments on stage where we are introduced to Cameron and his classmates, displaying the dynamics of a British classroom with a cartoonish authenticity through stylised movement by DK Fashola which becomes convention through the piece as we bounce between flashback or dream-like moments. If the challenge of a piece of children’s theatre is to captivate a young audience for the entirety, then Flynn-Aiduenu has cracked the code with Pig Heart Boy – though the almost-two-hour runtime could be daunting for some parents (and from a storytelling perspective, could perhaps shave ten minutes), an electric energy fizzles through the room from Cameron’s first monologue as he describes the feeling of being underwater.

The design team are a harmonious force, perfectly aiding each other on a seamless concept. Paul Wills’ set design is captivating: a large structure fills the upstage area, mimicking the mechanics of a stereo system with LED wires sprawling out towards the audience in a way which feels equally reminiscent of a heart and nervous system. The structure is practical as well with characters often weaving their way through it to indicate different locations. Scattered around the stage as well are analogue TV screens, creating an urban atmosphere and enhancing the visuals on stage through animations, making some of the action feel like a music video – particularly during a highlight as the sty-lish Trudy the pig (pun intended here) takes the stage. This aesthetic fuses beautifully with XANA’s vibrant sound design, the thumping, dynamic bass piercing through the action.

Immanuel Yeboah proves that his name is one to remember and watch through his portrayal of protagonist Cameron. With a significant portion of his dialogue a conversational direct address to the audience we are instantly on his side, his endearing boyishness drawing us in to his story. Cameron is ever the optimist, and Yeboah brings a warm sincerity to this role, playing into the more emotive moments alongside his buoyant energy. Christina Ngoyi as Cameron’s best friend Marilyn, as well as a hilariously snobbish TV presenter, pairs an infectious and childlike joy with comic timing. The ensemble all multi-role through the piece, again managing to bring a larger-than-life quality to supporting roles whilst balancing an earnestness when a moment requires it. Tré Medley has you cackling as the eccentric Dr Bryce, while Chia Phoenix will bring a tear to your eye as Cameron’s nan.

Pig Heart Boy explores the importance of family and community, conjures ethical debates and is a moving, life-affirming story of a young boy’s determination in the face of adversity, performed here with a punchy and captivating delivery.

🎟️Pig Heart Boy plays at the Unicorn Theatre until the 22^nd of February before commencing a national tour.  

Tickets and information: https://www.unicorntheatre.com/events/pig-heart-boy