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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 right score, this narrative and these characters could evoke the emotional depth of West Side Story or the tragic resonance of Blood Brothers. In its current dramatic form, however, it’s harder to see Noughts & Crosses fully connecting with an adult audience. That said, the performances are generally compelling. Corinna Brown as Sephy and Noah Valentine as Callum bring a genuine tenderness to their portrayals of doomed young lovers. Both succeed in conveying youthful naïveté while aging credibly throughout the narrative – no mean feat in the art of acting. As Sephy's parents, Kamal and Jasmine, Habib Nasib Nader and Amanda Bright deliver convincing portrayals of a calculating politician and a disillusioned socialite. Their performances are also well matched by Richard Riddell and Kate Kordel as Callum's parents, Ryan and Meggie. Both actors bring a nice sense of authenticity and humanity to their roles as victims of an unjust society. For its intended age group, Noughts & Crosses is likely a four-star production, but in its current form, it didn’t have quite the same impact for us.
Rated: ★★★
Reviewed by J.C.
Photo by Manuel Harlan
When, Where, Getting there:
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