Reviewed by Gemma Fleming at Sheffield Theatres
Ticket was gifted in return for an honest review
Where to start with this poignant, witty, fundamentaly human piece of theatre. Inventively adapted by Winsome Pinnock from Malorie Blackman's novel of the same name, Pig Heart Boy depicts the story of Cameron; A normal boy with a life altering decision to make. When his health is on the line and a pig heart transplant could be the revolution to save his life, should he take the risk and what will the world think if he does?
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| Immanuel Yeboah and the cast. Photo by Ali Wright. |
Immanuel Yeboah is captivating as Cameron. Perfectly capturing the energetic mind wandering of a young boy and offering a playful physicality that draws the audience in as if they are his best friend. The whole cast proffer such truthful storytelling it is capable of provoking empathy in the most cynical of confidantes. Each individual actor demonstrates seemless multi-rolling between differing characters whilst never losing the playfulness that is key to this story. There is a relatability to each character which draws you in and an intensity of performance which keeps you hooked. As I write this, I am aware that I have watched the show as a regular theatre goer- one in what you may class as a typical theatre demographic. But as I was watching, giggles and gasps from around me confirmed what I had suspected from Yeboah's opening line: this is a show that transcends traditional viewer limitations. It is to be felt, understood and enjoyed by all. And that is where it's power lies. It is a story of humanity.
Through staging the show in an intimate space, lighting and thus attention, could be moved from performer to audience at moments of direct interactions without us
feeling awkward or exposed. This was cleverly used for comedic relief at times but also incorporated us into tender exchanges between grandson and nan, which offered practical advice alongside emotive value. In one particular moment, as one unit with a steady beat pulsing around us, the audience all closed our eyes and breathed with Cameron, watching his anxiety dissipate. In, hold and out. In, hold and out. As well as creating a sense of unity in the audience and allowing us to reflect on our own state, this moment provided an opportunity in the 90min show to re-engage with the performance in front
of us.
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| Immanuel Yeboah and Tré Medley. Photo by Ali Wright |
And trust me you'll want to engage. With dance in and around a giant climbing frame continuing the narrative, lighting depicting character moods and the human body, and a FABULOUS talking pig, there is plenty to take in.
Each specific design element is thoughtfully produced to curate an environment that absorbs you into Cameron's world yet has an individual purpose. Heights and levels suggest hierarchy and create separation between characters. TV screens show video game graphics and medical diagnostics in equal measure, and lighting and stacking transform simple boxes into props and set. But for each colourful production element, be prepared to question your understanding of human morality and how far we are prepared to go to secure our own future. Our talking pig may strut her stuff but she also questions why her heart should be taken and why this was decided for her. Why one living being should be sacrificed for another and why human beings feel they have that right.
The show questions the choices we make and the impact they have. Bringing us stunning imagery of a puppet master and their puppets, intertwined with intimate arguments between friends and strangers. Despite the novel being published in 1997, many of the themes discussed are still prevalent today and this production explores these debates with an admirable openness.
I could continue to tell you about the thoughtful and entertaining ways that the team behind Pig Heart Boy have presented important questions to their audience. But I would like to end, as in the show, with a thought on what really makes us human: the capacity to love and to be loved. And this is depicted masterfully by Chia Phoenix and Immanuel Yoboah through their portrait of a nan-grandson relationship coming to an end. Here their intimacy allows death to be portrayed as peaceful and transient and a strong love to be shown as never ending. With Yoboah's final speech we are reminded that the circle of life continues, the story is never complete and maybe just maybe being human is enough.
But for now, this is me "signing out"
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pig Heart Boy plays at Sheffield Theatres until Saturday 15th March 2025. The tour continues until Saturday 14th June when its plays at Curve in Leicester. For full tour dates and tickets visit https://www.pigheartboyplay.co.uk/
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| Immanuel Yeboah. Photo by Ali Wright |
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