The Boy Who Kicked Pigs: Crazy, Chaotic and Totally off the wall Bonkers!

Opening night at The MAC in Belfast was nothing short of a wild ride, and if you’re not ready for some bonkers theatre, you might want to steer clear! The Boy Who Kicked Pigs, produced by Bruiser Theatre Company, is a madcap romp that blends chaos, absurdity, and enough dark humor to make even the most morbid giggle.

Images by Carrie Davenport

From the get-go, the four-member cast was a whirlwind of talent. Picture this: Gerard Headley, as the delightful little terror Robert Caligari, manages to blend the rebellious spirit of Dennis the Menace with the punk rock energy of Sid Vicious, who knew a character could earn sympathy while simultaneously being the worst? He kicks his sister’s beloved piggy bank out the window, igniting a chain reaction of comically dreadful events, including a local fishmonger’s unexpected demise. It’s a setup that screams hilarity while keeping you somewhat horrified.

Now, let's talk about Jack Watson, who channels Trevor the talking pig with a perfectly timed dry tone and some facial expressions that could crack up the toughest crowd. His chemistry with Headley raises the bar for pig-human relationships, talk about a porcine powerhouse!

Then there’s Eleanor Shannon, who delivers a masterclass in depicting that annoying little sister we all love to hate. If you didn’t have a young sibling to annoy you, Shannon's portrayal makes you thankful you survived childhood! Mary McGurk completes the cast as the lead classifieds journalist with a flair that channels “Are You Being Served?,” you might just find yourself trying to keep a straight face when you want to laugh out loud!

The minimalist staging was pure theatrical genius, with quick costume changes and clever use of props that kept the pace electric. Director Lisa May and her crew, including lighting and sound designers Garth McConaghie and James C McFetridge created a captivating atmosphere that highlighted the actors’ skills without any unnecessary frills.

As the story unfolds, we’re taken on a ride through a gothic fairytale filled with waltzing rats and unfortunate vicar mishaps. The essence of The Boy Who Kicked Pigs encapsulates the delightful chaos of childhood mischief, with a side of horror that reminds us how far imagination can stretch!

Bruiser Theatre Company has once again proven why they’re one of Northern Ireland’s most vibrant arts outfits. This production is a rollercoaster of physical comedy and biting satire that keeps both youngsters and adults entertained if you’re aged 13 and up, that is! At just 70 minutes, it’s the perfect length to keep your attention, and trust me, you won’t want to miss a second.

So, if you fancy a night of uproarious chaos and whimsical darkness sprinkled with physical comedy, head to The MAC before the show closes on October 18th. Remember, the only thing you may have to kick out the window is your initial hesitation to see this wild production!

Review by Gary Campion

Images by Carrie Davenport

For tickets and more information visit www.themaclive.com