Noughts & Crosses ★★★ Regent's Park Open Air Theatre | Jun 28 - Jul 26, 2025
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Malorie Blackman's novel was written for young adults, and this production is likely to hold considerable appeal for that demographic. The extended parable of racial injustice, woven together with a story of forbidden teenage love, would no doubt strike a chord with younger audiences. However, for older viewers, the message can feel somewhat overstated, and the love story, at times, predictable. The initial impact of reversing racial dynamics – placing Black characters, the Crosses, in a position of power over the white underclass, the Noughts – is powerful and thought-provoking. Yet, this inversion quickly loses its novelty, and the central characters, Callum and Sephy, reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet, risk feeling one-dimensional. This is undoubtedly strong, teachable material, and it’s easy to see why it remains a staple of school curricula. On stage, however, the simplicity of the plot and reliance on stock characters might be better suited to the format of a musical. With the ...