#IndieLitMagGala 2025 Spotlight: ALOCASIA Journal
Alan Parry
October 13, 2025
There’s something rare and steady about a journal that knows exactly what it is—and makes no apologies for it. ALOCASIA is one
This was an uplifting exploration of the depths of friendship; the love of parents desperately trying to save their beloved son, running parallel to the emotional turmoil of a teenager facing a heart transplant from a pig.
Cameron (Immanuel Yeboah) took on the lead role with peaks and troughs of energy, representing and depicting his character’s emotions and reactions to his failing heart. Occasionally, due to his accent, the enunciation was not always clear; however, this was made up for with physical movement. The superb acting ability of the remaining cast members was also believable in their many roles.
I did question why Cameron remained in his school uniform during both hospital visits, his surgery, and later his recovery. This, I felt, should have been addressed during the technical rehearsal phase.
Paul Willis must receive huge praise for such an imaginative and intricately high-tech design, complete with neon tubing to accentuate the emotions of every scene.
Overall, this was an engaging production – full of worry, love, and pioneering surgery – brought to life and adapted for the stage from multi award-winning writer Malorie Blackman OBE. It had numerous comedic interludes and a healthy smattering of music, which entertained all.
The performance had the audience questioning: Is it better to have a pig’s heart that works… than a human heart that doesn’t?
Clever, as you could hear the audience discussing this conundrum while walking out of the theatre following the cast’s standing ovation.
Tickets can be purchased in person from the box office of either The Playhouse or The Everyman Theatres, by telephoning 0151 709 4776, or alternatively by emailing [email protected].
Photo Credit: Ali Wright
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