A childhood gaming favourite turned into a political hierarchy, Noughts and Crosses takes audiences on a high speed dramatic journey through love, loss and life threatening betrayal. The performance has a Romeo and Juliet style innocence, however is laced with the kind of mistrust and social divides you are likely to see in the Hunger Games Saga. District 1 represented by the influential Crosses squeezing their grasp on the poor, in this case the Noughts, towards the lower citizens of District 12.
The performance starts with two youths on opposite sides of the law, one who’s father is a Cross and therefore is Home Secretary, and the other who struggles to attend a decent school and earn a living due to the fact that he is a Nought. Although, with all this conflict and speculation bubbling all around them Callum and Sephy still find time to meet up and talk of a dream world where there are no barriers, although the realty really states otherwise. When Callum attends a Cross school we begin to see this friendship, and more, deteriorate, and violence begins to seep into their private lives, forcing them to make difficult choices. With Sephy abandoning her old life for boarding school and Callum for the supposed terrorist group (arranged of Nought rebelers) the two grow further apart. However, passion, chance and a long lost letter bring them back together to make the ultimate choice, and secrets are unveiled that will result in one not making it out alive.
The two young protagonists, played by Billy Harris and Heather Agyepong bring a softness to the harsh and jagged world around them, with the actors balancing the levels of comedic timing and high stakes drama well. The cast in general also impress with their ability to switch characters repeatedly during the performance, with varying vocal and physical tones, making one feel as though they are watching a cast of millions.
Overall, a gripping drama with hints of deep rooted love and blood curdling cruelty. With the impressive multi purpose stage and bold underscore supporting the live production you will be consumed into the world of this parallel universe, and feel immersed in its many faults and contradictions. Catch a performance and choose a side! 3.5/5
Review written by Luke Redhead.
Noughts and Crosses is currently showing until Saturday 6th April at the York Theatre Royal and will continue to tour. To find out more about the production, visit here…
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