Southwark’s Unicorn Theatre will premiere the new stage adaptation of Malorie Blackman’s novel Pig Heart Boy this month.
In partnership with Sheffield Theatres and Children’s Theatre Partnership, the show will kick off at the Unicorn from January 26-February 22, before moving to Tanya Moiseiwitsch Playhouse, Sheffield Theatres from February 27-March 15 and then embarking on a UK tour.
The young cast includes Immanuel Yeboah as Cameron, Tré Medley as Dr Bryce/Andrew, Akil Young as Mike/Rashid, Christine During as Cathy/Julie, Christina Ngoyi as Marilyn/Elrich/Presenter/Officer, Chia Phoenix as Nan/Trudy/Mrs Stewart/LEPAR Lady and Olivia Williams Freeman and Rhys Lanahan as understudies.
Blackman’s 1997 novel as been adapted for the stage by playwright Winsome Pinnock and directed by Tristan Fynn-Aiduenu, taking in themes of childhood illness, identity and the profound choices we make to survive.
The story introduces Cameron, who 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?
Pig Heart Boy is a coproduction with Unicorn Theatre, Sheffield Theatres and Children’s Theatre Partnership.
The UK tour will take in venues including Playhouse, Liverpool; Lowry, Salford; Belgrade, Coventry; Wolverhampton Grand Theatre; Norwich Theatre Royal; Newcastle Theatre Royal; Lighthouse, Poole; Blackpool Grand Theatre; Royal & Derngate, Northampton; Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury; and Curve, Leicester.
For full dates and details, visit unicorntheatre.com or contact the respective theatres.