Malorie Blackman’s Pig Heart Boy comes to Liverpool Playhouse in March

A powerful new stage adaptation of Malorie Blackman’s award-winning novel Pig Heart Boy is set to arrive at Liverpool Playhouse from Tuesday 18 to Saturday 22 March 2025.

Pig Heart Boy tells the story of 13-year-old Cameron, who faces a life-changing decision when offered a controversial pig heart transplant – a choice that could mean the difference between life and death.

Malorie Blackman, Writer of Pig Heart Boy, said: 

‘I wanted to explore ‘what would you do in Cameron’s shoes?’ I think the story’s themes of resilience and bravery will resonate with both schools and families, giving people a chance to see the world through someone else’s eyes.  I hope the play will help inspire empathy and provide strategies for people who are going through something similar, showing them that they’re not alone.’

This production is adapted by acclaimed playwright Winsome Pinnock (Leave Taking, Liverpool Playhouse) and directed by Tristan Fynn-Aiduenu, who was nominated for an Olivier in 2022 for his work on For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When the Hue Gets Too Heavy by Ryan Calais Cameron. Based on the novel by Malorie Blackman OBE, author of Noughts and Crosses. 

The cast of Pig Heart Boy including Immanuel Yeboah leading as Cameron. Joining him are Tré Medley as Dr Bryce, Akil Young as Mike/Andrew, Christine During as Cathy/Julie, Christina Ngoyi as Marilyn, Chia Phoenix as Nan/Trudy while Olivia Williams Freeman and Rhys Lanahan as understudies.  

Cameron is thirteen, and all he wants is to be normal – have friends, go to school, and dive to the bottom of his local swimming pool. But he desperately needs a heart transplant and time is running out. When he’s finally offered a new heart, Cameron must choose how far he’ll go to get his life back.

Originally published in 1997, Pig Heart Boy captured the hearts and minds of readers, later earning a BAFTA-nominated BBC television adaptation in 1999.  

This poignant adaptation explores themes of childhood illness, identity and the profound choices people make to survive. Tickets are priced from £11 to £26 and are available here.

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