NS Archive 2026: Noughts and Crosses
About the show
Pilot Theatre in association with Northern Stage present Noughts and Crosses.
By Malorie Blackman
Adapted by Sabrina Mahfouz
Directed by Esther Richardson
“Why love, if losing hurts so much?”
Sephy and Callum sit together on a beach. They are in love.
It is forbidden.
Sephy is a Cross and Callum is a Nought. Between Noughts and Crosses there are racial and social divides.
A segregated society teeters on a volatile knife edge. As violence breaks out, Sephy and Callum draw closer, but this is a romance that will lead them into terrible danger.
This gripping modern-day Romeo and Juliet adaptation by acclaimed writer Malorie Blackman is a captivating drama of love, revolution and what it means to grow up in a divided world.
Finalist for Best Show for Children and Young People, UK Theatre Awards
★★★★ Esther Richardson’s direction brings this to life beautifully, making for an engaging and impactful watch. – West End Best Friend
LOVE that theatre like this is making a significant mark on fresh audiences – North East Family Fun
★★★★★ This production does not just retell a much loved novel. It hands it back to the generation it was written for and lets them claim it in real time – Theatre and Tonic
Minne & Ensemble – Melody Adeniran
Ryan & Ensemble – Daniel Copeland
Sephy – Brianna Douglas
Jude & Ensemble – Fintan Hayeck
Kamal & Ensemble – Chris Jack
Meggie & Ensemble – Emma Keele
Callum – Lewis Tidy
Jasmine & Ensemble – Elexi Walker
Creative Team
Director
Esther Richardson
Set and Costume Designer
Simon Kenny
Lighting Designer
Ben Cowens
Original Lighting Designer for 2019 production
Joshua Pharo
Music & Sound
Arun Ghosh & Xana
Sound Designer
Adam McCready
Video Designer
Si Cole
Original Video Design
Ian William Galloway
Associate & Movement Director
Xolani Crabtree
Casting Director
Shannon David – Elise Casting
Voice Coach
Gurkiran Kaur
Fight Director
Kenan Ali
Intimacy Director
Asha Jennings-Grant
Production Manager
Luke James
Company Stage Manager
Jeanette Maggs
Deputy Stage Manager
Amy Hales
Assistant Technical Stage Manager
Leo McCall
Assistant Stage Manager
Fang Wongthanaroj
