Malorie Blackman’s Pig-Heart Boy is a modern classic. As a pitch-perfect tween parable of friendship, betrayal, medical and press ethics and the real meaning of love, expectations for any stage adaptation of her novel are naturally high. It’s therefore so pleasing that Tristan Fynn-Aiduenu’s production, premiering at the Unicorn Theatre before going on a national tour (until June), of Winsome Pinnock’s adapted script manages to both do it justice whilst bringing some fresh theatrical elements to the telling.
Part of Blackman’s genius is that she writes for a range of ages from the very young to emerging adults without ever patronising her readers. There is almost a sacred bond of trust in her authorship whereby she spins outstanding yarns and dares explore emotions with an intensity that may take its readers to the limits of what their parents imagine they can handle but never beyond them. She expertly delivers suspense and catharsis which is why her stories are so gripping. Pinnock’s adaptation needs to capture this essence of Blackman’s 250-page work in about 90 minutes for an audience as young as nine and as old as 13 whilst getting parents to feel entertained too – that’s no easy feat. Pinnock’s adaptation therefore feels somewhat less ‘edgy’ than the Blackman novel but brings in delicious and appropriate spectacle enhanced by the cleverly dynamic set (by Paul Willis) and top-notch production values from the entire creative team (lighting by Andrew Exeter; Sound by XANA; Videos by Jack Baxter and excellent movement work by DK Fashola). As a result, the production is entertaining and pacey but could also possibly stretch to a slightly younger audience (if you have a bright 7-year-old you needn’t worry if such a child tags along with say your 10 or 11-year-old Blackman enthusiast – in fact, I’d encourage it).
Fynn-Aiduenu has assembled a cast of emerging stars in the younger roles with Immanuel Yeboah as Cameron (the titular character) excelling with outstanding range and presence – a talent whose career I’m keen to follow. Although this production is in no way short of a sense of quality and richness, as is common with touring productions most other roles are fulfilled by actors performing more than one part and they distinguish themselves individually and gel well as an ensemble.
With half-term approaching, Pig Heart Boy is an ideal choice for the school holidays or as a family outing. Both playful and serious, spectacular and literary, this adaptation is moving and pacey, even if it doesn’t have quite the heft of Blackman’s novel itself. Of my two 12-year-old co-critics, one is a Malorie Blackman super-fan who devoured her novel in Year 6 and the other is a theatre buff who’s never read the original book. They both enjoyed it thoroughly (even at the end of their exhausting school days mid-week) and were buzzing with commentary afterwards. I noted, however, that my son who didn’t know the source material was perhaps more delighted with it (as the plot was fresh to him) whereas my daughter’s one critical note was that she wished for the deeper emotional connection she enjoyed in the novel. Regardless, they both recommend it as do I.
Review by Mary Beer
Cameron has always dreamed of living a normal life: making friends, going to school, and diving to the bottom of his local swimming pool. But his world is turned upside down when he is diagnosed with a serious heart condition and faces an urgent need for a heart transplant. With time running out, Cameron is offered a new heart – as he finds himself having to face a difficult decision – how far will he go to get the life he desperately wants back?
Immanuel Yeboah – Cameron
Tré Medley – Dr Bryce/Andrew
Akil Young – Mike/Rashid
Christine During – Cathy/Julie
Christina Ngoyi – Marilyn/Elrich/Presenter/Officer
Chia Phoenix – Nan/Trudy/Mrs Stewart/LEPAR Lady
Olivia Williams Freeman and Rhys Lanahan – Understudies
Based on the novel by Malorie Blackman
Winsome Pinnock – Adaptor
Tristan Fynn-Aiduenu – Director
Paul Wills – Designer
Andrew Exeter – Lighting Designer
XANA – Sound Designer and Composer
Amber Sinclair-Case – Assistant Director
PIG HEART BOY
Unicorn Theatre, 26 January to 22 February 2025
Then on UK tour until 14 June 2025
