Twenty years ago, Malorie Blackman’s Noughts & Crosses book series was published, aimed squarely at teenagers.

Now it’s a stage play at Kingston’s Rose, set in an oppressive world where our heroes, Callum and Sephy (we’re encouraged to think Romeo and Juliet) come from different sides of the tracks – where the colour of your skin determines your status in society and never the twain shall meet.

Daniel Copeland plays dad Ryan, with James Arden as son Callum

Blackman’s words have been adapted by Sabrina Mahfouz, but the visiting company, Pilot Theatre, is only partially successful with this production (which runs until Feb 11).

On the plus side, the leading couple are very good – spirited, persuasive and, crucially, audible. James Arden plays Callum, and Effie Ansah is Sephy.

But some of the supporting ensemble are difficult to hear towards the back of the auditorium which, at this professional level, is very disappointing.

James Arden as Callum and Effie Ansah as Sephy in Noughts & Crosses

A wordy first half goes on for an hour and a half, and could easily lose 30 minutes to tighten up the drama and eliminate repetition. However, the shorter second half is much stronger.

This is a production aimed at teenage audiences, but their attention was flagging in the first half.

However, by the curtain call, the action was back on track and the applause at the end was well-deserved.

Rosetheatre.org

Pics: Robert Day