Multi award-winning playwright Winsome Pinnock (Leave Taking) has adapted fellow multi-award winning writer Malorie Blackman’s (Noughts and Crosses) Pig Heart Boy and it is a brilliant page to stage adaptation of a much-loved classic.
It’s great to see this novel in another form following the Bafta award winning TV series back in 1999.
Pig Heart Boy tells the tale of Cameron (Immanuel Yeboah) who caught an infection when he was younger, which left him with a heart condition which means he can’t do strenuous activities. But, as a teenager, this has become increasingly frustrating for him particularly as he used to love swimming and even won medals. Now, he has to sit on the sidelines being ref whilst his friends play Daredevil Dive, a game to see who can hold their breath the longest under water.
His friends, including his bestie Madeline (Christina Ngoyi) treat him like he’s made of cotton wool and he hates that. We meet the young cast as they are just breaking up for half term and Cameron will be getting a heart transplant. Just before they say their goodbyes, Cameron reveals to Marilyn that he’s actually getting a pig’s heart. She swears on oath that she will not tell a single soul.
We learn that Cameron’s Jamaican parents are at loggerheads because he won’t be having a regular human heart transplant, his mum is very nervous about it but his dad just wants his son to lead a normal life.
The actual transplant is not commonly available and certainly not going to be done via the NHS. In fact, they are have to go deep into the countryside to an undisclosed location for the procedure to take place. The transplant goes to plan and Cameron and his family are overjoyed that it is has been a success. However, trouble ensues when ‘someone’ leaks this to the press and there is much backlash from the animal rights activists. Once this blows over, Cameron’s one goal is to be able to play and beat his friends at Daredevil Dive to the point of obsession and also the detriment of his new heart.
Through Tristan Fynn-Aiduenu’s energetic direction, sound designer and composer XANA’s high energy musical arrangement, the play does well to engage young minds and the intelligent writing tackles many themes during its 90 minutes but nothing is overly complicated. It also highlights the dangers of letting fame get to your head and the importance of valuing your friends.
My favourite scene was when Cameron dreamt he met his pig heart donor, Trudy, the costume design was slick and her dialogue was absolutely hilarious. It was hard not to feel sorry for Trudy who really was the life and soul of the party bringing good vibes and dancehall tunes.
It was also great to see the dynamic in Cameron’s relationship with his dear nan (Chia Phoenix). She’s the only adult figure who truly gets him and they have a great rapport. She brings his favourite meal for him just be he has surgery (ackee, saltfish, dumpling and plantain in case you’re wondering). Despite the generational gap, they have a special bond which is a joy to see. This is a good time to shout out the entire cast – some played multiple parts, seamlessly morphing into different characters and EVERYONE gave first class performances.
Lighting is executed beautifully through designer Andrew Exeter and assistant Susie Yi Su whether it’s to convey a beating heart or the ripples of a swimming pool, it’s impressive. Paul Wills’ set design is equally as creative and complements the lighting superbly and will no doubt appeal to young audiences. The use of TV screens, depicting various elements of the play such as the journey to the clinic, or to show a time lapse for example was perfectly executed. The shiny black floor, works well in reflecting the light, too.
There’s much to like with Pig Heart Boy. It’s funny, ‘heart’warming (sorry, couldn’t resist) and offers a unique take on the complexities of living with a health condition that prevents you from living your best life especially as a teenager.
My 10-year-old daughter, said: “I liked it a lot. It was interesting, funny and different to what I usually see”.
Malorie Blackman was ahead of the game when she wrote this in 1997 because fast-forward to 2022/2023, and two people have received genetically modified pig hearts.
Pig Heart Boy offers a modern and dynamic exploration on the challenges of having health issues and the lengths we will go to fit in and be ‘normal’. The writing is accessible, relatable and this play will no doubt resonate with young theatre goers and adults alike.
NEED TO KNOW: Pig Heart Boy plays at the Unicorn Theatre until 22 Feb. Suitable for ages 9-13
