Based on Malorie Blackman’s groundbreaking young adult novel, this gripping stage adaptation by Sabrina Mahfouz returns to the stage to explore a world divided by colour and class. Noughts & Crosses presents an alternative society where the “Crosses” (dark-skinned people) rule over the “Noughts” (lighter-skinned people). Against a backdrop of prejudice, distrust, and rising political violence, two young people from opposite sides of the divide—Sephy and Callum—attempt to find a way to love one another.
The production is widely praised for its ability to translate the novel’s complex political landscape into a visceral theatrical experience. It tackles heavy themes of segregation, police brutality, and radicalisation, making it a particularly resonant choice for the season. The play challenges the audience to confront their own assumptions about privilege and power, flipping the script on real-world racial dynamics to expose the absurdity and cruelty of systemic discrimination.
Visually and sonically, the show is designed to appeal to a multi-generational audience, blending contemporary music and bold set design with the emotional intimacy of a Romeo and Juliet-style romance. It serves as both a powerful piece of storytelling and a vital educational tool, sparking conversations about how history shapes our present and what it takes to break the cycle of hatred.
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Noughts & Crosses
Based on Malorie Blackman’s groundbreaking young adult novel, this gripping stage adaptation by Sabrina Mahfouz returns to the…