Fast-moving and engaging, but emotionally restrained
⭐️⭐️⭐️
What’s it about?
Based on the novel Noughts & Crosses by acclaimed writer Malorie Blackman, this stage adaptation by Sabrina Mahfouz imagines an alternative world divided by race, power and privilege, following the forbidden relationship between Callum and Sephy as tensions erupt around them.
What we loved best
The two leads playing Callum (Lewis Tidy) and Sephy (Brianna Douglas) deliver strong performances with great warmth and chemistry amid the chaos unfolding as they approach adolescence and adulthood. Fintan Hayeck (Jude) and Melody Adeniran (Minnie) are also excellent as siblings on opposite sides of the drama.
There’s an impressive ensemble energy throughout, with fluid and tightly choreographed scene changes maintaining the momentum. The set design is simple and effective— furniture and props constantly reconfigure to create multiple locations without slowing the pace.
Lighting and sound design are strong, adding heightened energy and atmosphere to the production. Technically, it’s an extremely polished and disciplined piece of theatre from Director Esther Richardson.
Anything we’d change
At times, the production feels closer to an educational drama than a fully emotionally layered theatrical experience. The relentless pace keeps the action moving but occasionally comes at the expense of allowing quieter emotional moments to land with enough depth.
While the themes remain powerful and relevant, some adult audiences may find the storytelling slightly one-dimensional. The production feels very clearly aimed at young adults, and it may resonate more strongly with younger audiences encountering these ideas for the first time.
Who would enjoy it?
Younger audiences, schools and anyone familiar with Malorie Blackman’s original novel.
Who created it?
Based on the novel by Malorie Blackman.
Adapted by Sabrina Mahfouz
Directed by Esther Richardson
Set & Costume Design by Simon Kenny
Lighting Design by Ben Cowens
Music & Sound by Arun Ghosh& Xana
The Verdict
A tightly staged, action packed adaptation that moves at pace, even if the emotional depth occasionally gets lost in the momentum.