Noughts & Crosses – Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre

What means more to you: being someone or making a difference?

Based on the acclaimed novel by Malorie Blackman and adapted by Dominic Cooke, Noughts & Crosses tells the story of two star-crossed friends-to-lovers who learn to grow and adapt together in this Romeo & Juliet-esque love story.

In this world, there is a divide between the Noughts and the Crosses. Callum, is from a Nought family and Sephy, from a Cross family. Their worlds have intertwined since childhood, with Callum’s mother working for Sephy’s family and the two becoming firm friends. However, Noughts and Crosses are not to be seen together. After many meet ups on their secret beach, as teenagers their world is turned upside down when Callum gets accepted at Sephy’s prestigious Cross school.

The play focuses on the relationship between Callum (Noah Valentine) and Sephy (Corinna Brown) but dives deeper into the history behind the divide and their relationships between their loved ones. The insight into the differing dynamics between Callum and Sephy’s family is handled expertly, and the audience is intrigued to learn more. From the moment the story ensues, the actors encapsulate the audience’s attention, and they are gripped from the start. Both Valentine and Brown exude charisma and charm from the opening scene and their relationship is believable. Valentine contrasts Callum’s sweeter and harder sides well and draws the audience to his character straightaway. Brown is the more playful Sephy and steals the audience’s heart. They both portray teenagers and their quirks immaculately, drawing you into the events happening on stage. Their monologues out to the audience are placed well, further enhancing the connection to these characters.

The ensemble in this production must also be praised. Though not always vocal on stage, they are omnipresent, and the supporting actors add immense depth to the story. Callum’s mother Meggie (Kate Kordel) and Sephy’s mother Jasmine (Amanda Bright) have their own storyline and struggles and the contrast between their lives is highlighted by the actors’ ability to inflict emotion. Kordel’s performance is daring and captivating particularly when she portrays Meggie’s grief. Bright delivers Jasmine grappling with her alcoholism effectively and her character arc is heartwarming.

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is the perfect backdrop for this production. By the second Act, the sun is setting, and the natural darker lighting foreshadows the darker themes of the second half. The tiered staging is clever, creating a hierarchical dimension that mirrors this world’s dynamic. This also allows for the ensemble actors to be present on stage throughout, allowing for some more principal characters to explore their characters more deeply. This also gives the impression that everyone is being watched which adds to the serious tone of the show. The entire stage is utilised, and this setting allows for the actors to run through the audience, making you feel immersed and a part of their world.

Lighting along the floor of the stage creates eye catching focal points and an echo effect is an interesting addition to emulate the news reporting or telephone calls. The scene transitions are smooth and pace the show well.

This adaptation is both charming and uncomfortable to watch due to the difficult topics covered. Audiences being faced with racism, terrorism and the class system can be a difficult watch. By incorporating different family perspectives and pairing more serious issues with dark humour makes this show complex but full of heart. This show does well to encapsulate the struggles in relation to race and acceptance, leaving the audience with food for thought and an enhanced understanding of the world we live in.

Noughts & Crosses is currently showing at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre until 26^th July with more information and tickets to be found at: https://openairtheatre.com/production/noughts-crosses

Reviewer: Maani Way

Reviewed: 8th July 2025

North West End UK Rating: