A stunning new stage adaptation of Malorie Blackman’s beloved novel Pig Heart Boy will visit Blackpool Grand Theatre in May 2025 as part of its first ever UK tour

Malorie Blackman’s critically acclaimed novel PIG HEART BOY will be brought beautifully to life in a thrilling new live production at Blackpool Grand Theatre from Wednesday 14 May to Saturday 17 May.

The world premiere of Pig Heart Boy will be showcased at the Unicorn Theatre in January 2025 before setting off on its first ever UK tour. This exciting new stage play will explore themes of childhood illness, identity and the profound choices we make to survive.

‘Is it better to have a pig’s heart that works … than a human heart that doesn’t?’

Cameron is thirteen years old and 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 finally offered a new heart, but then finds himself having to face an incredibly difficult decision. Just how far is he willing to go to get the life back he so desperately wants?

This heartwarming new production of multi-award-winning writer Malorie Blackman’s beloved novel has been adapted for the stage by acclaimed playwright Winsome Pinnock and directed by Tristan Fynn-Aiduenu, in a Unicorn Theatre co-production with Sheffield Theatres and Children’s Theatre Partnership, marking a thrilling collaboration between leading institutions dedicated to creating thought-provoking theatre for young audiences.

The talented cast includes 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/Office; Chia Phoenix as Nan/Trudy/Mrs Stewart/LEPAR Lady and Olivia Williams Freeman and Rhys Lanahan as Understudies.

The development of Pig Heart Boy is being informed by a group of young Creative Associates who have lived experience of health conditions, and also through the Unicorn Theatre’s partnership with GOSH Arts who have facilitated a relationship with the children, families and staff at Great Ormond Street Hospital, with a focus on cardiology wards. The Unicorn’s Creative Hub has also been running workshops in hospital settings around the country to create a set of poems inspired by the young people’s stories and experiences and amplify the voices of children receiving medical treatment.

Malorie Blackman said: “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. It will be a thrill for me to see how audiences will react to the challenges Cameron, the main character, faces in the play.”

Malorie Blackman is a celebrated British author and former Children’s Laureate whose novels speak to both young and adult audiences alike, tackling complex questions about life, survival, and the moral dilemmas that shape us. Her work has received numerous awards and widespread critical acclaim, including Pig Heart Boy which she first published in 1997.

Don’t miss a beat of this exciting new theatrical experience. Book for Pig Heart Boy now!

Malorie Blackman’s Pig Heart Boy is at Blackpool Grand Theatre from Wednesday 14 May to Saturday 17 May with performances at 10am, 2pm & 7pm.

Tickets from £15.50 with school/group rates and concessions available.

Age Recommendation  9+ – Pig Heart Boy is a thought-provoking theatre experience for children aged 9-12yrs (an ideal choice for Key Stage 2 and 3 students)

An educational Resource Pack is also available to download at www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk/event/pig-heart-boy