Kill The Beast: The Boy Who Kicked Pigs

In the past my theatrical posts have tended to concentrate on the outputs of Riding Lights and Dumbshow - and with good reason. These are two companies whom I have a great attachment to, and in whose work I take a strong and serious interest.

But today, I'm going to branch out just a little and talk about Kill the Beast Theatre Company and their exciting new play, The Boy Who Kicked Pigs. I say a little, since the entire company have some connection to the Warwick drama scene. Four out of the five cast members were in my year at Warwick, including Natasha Hodgson of Clockheart Boy, Best for Film and just about everything else.

The Boy Who Kicked Pigs is an adaptation of the cult novel by Doctor Who and Little Britain star Tom Baker. It follows the gruesome and grotesque story of Robert Caligari, a 13-year-old who can't stop himself from kicking pigs, whether it be his sister's piggy bank or a bag of pork chops. Summing up the plot is nigh-on impossible: suffice to say that it involves shark mutilation, weedkiller cornflakes and possibly the end of the world. Perhaps this trailer will give you a greater clue:

Having received a successful premiere at The Lowry in Manchester, The Boy Who Kicked Pigs is playing at Jacksons Lane near Highgate in London from March 5th-16th. You can find out more information and book your tickets here, and read an interview with two of the cast members here. The play is garnering rave reviews across the board, and from what I've seen from these performers, you won't be disappointed.

Daniel