Audience members leave the New Wolsey Theatre in tears over the heartbreaking performance of 'Noughts and Crosses'.

 

From Tuesday 8th November to Saturday 12th November, the New Wolsey Theatre is showing Pilot Theatre's 'Noughts and Crosses'. The production is based on the remarkable novel by acclaimed writer Malorie Blackman, and was adapted for the stage by Sabrina Mahfouz. 

 

'Noughts and Crosses' is a dystopian 'Romeo and Juliet' style story set in a segregated world where noughts and crosses live very different lives. Noughts and Crosses is a euphemism for black and white people. Noughts are white and crosses are black. In the play, crosses have complete societal dominace. Protagonists Sephy and Callum are doomed from the start- Sephy is a cross, but Callum is a nought. The story focuses on their romance in a society facing racial and social problems.

 

The showing I viewed was quite busy, and nearly all the seats were filled. The atmosphere was tense and the audience was captivated by the emotion conveyed by the actors. The use of monologues and direct address made the audience feel included in the story. Throughout the play, special effects and lighting were cleverly used to portray dramatic action scenes on stage.

 

One audience member stated "It was incredible. I was mesmerised the whole time. I loved how the relationship between Sephy and Callum was portrayed- especially when they were children." Another audience member said "I have to see this again! I loved it so much." Many people were in tears as the performance was so moving.

 

The age guidance given for the show is 12+ and the running time is approximately 2 hours 15 mins plus an interval. The Pilot Theatre production is currently touring around England, and if it comes to a theatre near you, I would highly recommend watching!