The Boy with Two Hearts (London) London Reviews and Tickets

77%

(5 Ratings)

Positive

80%

Mixed

20%

Negative

Members say

Enchanting, Profound, Absorbing, Great acting, Great writing

About the Show

The stage adaptation of Hamed & Hessam Amiri's book following a young Afghan family's journey to the UK and their tribute to the NHS.

At the turn of the millenium, a young Afghan mother speaks out against the Taliban, forcing her and her husband to flee their home with their three sons.

After a terrifying journey through Europe, they finally reach the UK to seek refuge.

But, as their eldest son’s life-threatening heart condition worsens, their escape soon becomes a race against time.

Amit Sharma directs this story based on real-life experiences that serves as a heartfelt tribute to the NHS.

Show-Score Member Reviews (5)

100

Great writing, Great staging, Great acting, Entertaining, Absorbing

See it if you want a fascinating story, well told.The staging is incredible.You are brought into a world you've only heard about in the news.Brilliant

Don't see it if you want a light romantic musical comedy.This has a lot of light moments, but it is a serious topic, well told.Totally captured by the story

Dated, Ambitious

See it if A good story.

Don't see it if This was a lot of "telling not showing".

Profound, Intense, Intelligent, Exquisite, Enchanting

See it if You like a play that touches the heart

Don't see it if Tears aren't for you

Thought-provoking, Great writing, Edgy, Enchanting, Absorbing

See it if A lovely story, if you are unfamiliar with the flight of refugees it may teach you something.

Don't see it if It you don't like plays it is not for you. I also feel like it could have gone into more detail about their journey and been more impactful

Profound, Emotional, Different, Great acting, Clever

See it if You are looking to learn or take away something from your theatre going experience

Don't see it if You are not into modern and symbolic theatrical styles

Critic Reviews (9)

"It’s an affecting tale but not entirely bleak...There’s no historical context, and the focus is on the family’s unity rather than the external threats."
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"The visuals are inventive; the rest of the production, sadly, is the very opposite."
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"The tone throughout is of a family-friendly narrative possessed of a childlike simplicity that adults might find a shade simplistic."
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"I just wish Phil Porter’s adaptation trusted its audience more...we get heavy-handed narration and blunt dialogue, commentating on the family’s closeness or the dangers they face."
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"What we're seeing isn't a carefully crafted metaphor, it's real people's lives...This production is one that’s accessible in many senses – through its integrated subtitles, through its simple, easy-to-understand approach."
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"You leave the theatre feeling nothing but respect for those forced to live this story. "
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"The message of love and hope is winningly delivered...and this is a show that deserves as wide an audience as possible, from schoolchildren to politicians."
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"The horrors experienced and the fears that the family are continually facing are never given full force, so the impact doesn't fully land."
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Trailer

Creative team