Noughts and Crosses
Lewis Tidy and Brianna Douglas. All photos by Von Fox Promotions
Review by Catherine Larner.
A stunning set, compelling acting and a fast-paced, powerful and moving story. This is what theatre, for me, is all about, and the current production of ‘Noughts and Crosses’ at the New Wolsey delivered in abundance.
This 2019 adaptation by Sabrina Mahfouz for Pilot Theatre brings Malorie Blackman’s seminal novel, to a new audience. And though the book is aimed at young adults, this is a story that reaches across the generations and never loses its impact.
With ‘Romeo and Juliet’ as its inspiration, we meet two young people, Sephy (a Cross) and Callum (a Nought). Their friendship is tested by the racist attitudes of their family, friends and society as a whole, in a world where Crosses dominate Noughts. As Crosses are played by black actors and Noughts are white, the story reverses the racism so often experienced in life outside the theatre.
Naturally, with such a profound novel, one which spans almost 500 pages and depicts horrific and tragic events, there was a lot to include on stage, but I felt this production was perfectly paced and the audience were held enthralled throughout. There were even gasps and an embarrassed giggle from the younger people as the relationship of Sephy and Callum played out before them.
The performance spanned 2 hours and 20 minutes (including the interval) which is longer than many productions these days, and the drama moved apace, but the clarity of the story and the integrity of the characters was maintained throughout.
Sephy, played by Brianna Douglas, was fabulous. She came over as a truly beautiful young woman. For me, hers was the standout performance. But all the actors (except the two leads) took on a number of roles with great accomplishment. And the choreography in the ensemble pieces, as they presented crowd scenes or while moving props and furniture, was mesmerising to watch.
The set was stark and deceptively simple but hugely impactful. A black backdrop unfolded, like opening the shutters of a window, as the action began for both acts. A glossy black floor and walls made up of panes of red tin, formed the stage. These panes opened as cupboards, drawers or windows and, when backlit, hinted at individuals and their stories off stage. They were also used effectively as video screens.
The scene in the Dundale shopping mall, when a bomb exploded, was incredible. The combination of lighting, sound, video and choreography was tremendously powerful - and terrifying.
If I have any criticism it would be that I didn’t feel there was much depth to Sephy and Callum’s romance and the challenges they faced early on in their relationship. And there wasn’t really enough opportunity to build emotions in the other characters as we leapt from one crisis in the story to another. But that didn’t in any way diminish the experience or the message of this play.
This was an affecting production where the staging contributed as much to the story as the dialogue and acting.
It was excellent. I highly recommend it.
Noughts and Crosses is at New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich until 21 March 2026.
FOR SHOW DETAILS AND BOOKING LINK, CLICK HERE