Fans of Malorie Blackman’s powerful storytelling are in for a treat as Pig Heart Boy takes to the stage at The Lowry, Salford, from Wednesday 26th to Saturday 29th March 2025 as part of its UK tour.
Adapted by acclaimed playwright Winsome Pinnock and directed by Tristan Fynn-Aiduenu, this poignant production brings Blackman’s multi-award-winning novel to life, exploring themes of childhood illness, identity, and the profound choices we make to survive.
A Gripping and Emotional Story
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 when he is diagnosed with a serious heart condition, his world is turned upside down. With time running out, Cameron is offered a chance at survival, but it comes with a difficult decision: how far is he willing to go to get his life back?
An Incredible Cast and Creative Team
Bringing this heartfelt story to the stage is an outstanding cast featuring Immanuel Yeboah as Cameron, alongside Tré Medley, Akil Young, Christine During, Christina Ngoyi, Chia Phoenix, Olivia Williams Freeman, and Rhys Lanahan.
The production has already received critical acclaim, with The Stage calling Pinnock’s adaptation “excelling” and WhatsOnStage awarding it a five-star review.
Malorie Blackman on Pig Heart Boy
Malorie Blackman, one of the UK’s most celebrated authors and former Children’s Laureate, shared her excitement about the production:
“I am delighted that Pig Heart Boy will be staged at the Unicorn, the UK’s leading theatre for young audiences, ahead of a national UK tour. Though I wrote the story a while ago, it is still as relevant today as it was when first published, and the topic of organ donation is still an urgent one.”
Her work has been widely praised for tackling complex and thought-provoking topics, with Pig Heart Boy resonating across generations since its first publication in 1997.
Raising Awareness and Amplifying Voices
This adaptation is more than just a stage production—it’s a platform for young voices. The show has been developed with the input of young Creative Associates who have firsthand experience of health conditions. Through the Unicorn’s partnership with GOSH Arts, the team has engaged with children, families, and staff at Great Ormond Street Hospital to ensure authenticity and emotional depth in its storytelling.
Additionally, the Unicorn’s Creative Hub has facilitated workshops in hospital settings around the UK, giving children the chance to share their experiences through poetry. These collective poems, curated by director Tristan Fynn-Aiduenu, will be shared nationally through tour venues, school resources, and hospitals.
With special thanks to the patients, families, and staff at Great Ormond Street Hospital, Sheffield Children’s Hospital, and Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Pig Heart Boy is set to be a truly unforgettable and meaningful theatrical experience.
Don’t Miss It!
Pig Heart Boy runs at The Lowry from 26th – 29th March 2025. Don’t miss this gripping and emotional production that promises to captivate audiences of all ages.
For more information and tickets, visit www.thelowry.com.
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