This stage adaptation of Malorie Blackman’s novel explores science, ethics and empathy all in the shape of a 13-year-old boy and his family facing an agonizing choice.

Cameron’s heart is failing and his life is limited by the fact he can never put any strain on it. So when he is faced with a possible solution in the shape of a heart of a pig under a secret procedure, what will he, and his family decide?

Adapted by Winsome Pinnock and directed by Tristan Fynn—Aiduenu, this show puts Cameron right at the centre of the story. He speaks directly to the audience, pulling us into his experience, sharing his worries and asking us the eternal question – what would you do?

Immanuel Yeboah’s Cameron is thoroughly likeable. He is a good friend who shares his maths homework with his classmates, he is part of a loving family, he cares about other people – and he is in an incredibly difficult situation.

The surgery is pioneering but also hugely controversial – will he take the risks for both his physical and mental wellbeing?

There are so many questions around the ethics and science of transplanting animal organs into humans and the play tries to address many of them. The risk is that it sometimes oversimplifies aspects of the story, but then this is a play aimed at young adults not an academic study!

The cast of eight certainly give it their all, switching roles so that one moment they are school friends and teacher, the next the doctor and nurse, at others parents and grandma and at others members of the public, journalists and an animal rights campaigner.

Christine During and Akil Young take on the roles of Cameron’s parents, faced with the risk of losing their beloved son whichever decision is made. Chia Phoenix is the voice of experience and wisdom as Cameron’s Nan. And Christina Ngoyi is the well-meaning but not exactly reliable best friend Marilyn.

The show looks fabulous. Paul Wills’ set combined with lighting designed by Andrew Exeter give us a backdrop filled with brightly lit neon tubes which change colour so they can resemble a techno-disco or a pulsing vein. So too the stage is filled with television screens which can double up as surgical monitors or mass media.

Blackman’s story is both personal and public. As a small family face life and death decisions they are also suddenly in the centre of a media maelstrom as the press and animal rights protestors take their positions on a very intimate decision. Suddenly we realise it is not just a question of one family’s choice, it is also a wider debate over how science progresses.

But this isn’t a heavy watch – despite its weighty subject matter Pig Heart Boy succeeds in being provocative and emotional theatre yet also a fun night out which has audiences laughing at the quirks of human beings while also questioning just what science can and should achieve.

Four stars

Pig Heart Boy was reviewed on Tuesday 8 April by Diane Parkes at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, where it shows until Saturday 12 April.