Over 250 Students Experience the Power of Live Theatre with Noughts & Crosses

theatre works! was proud to partner with Pilot Theatre to bring 250 young people to see Noughts & Crosses. ‘This gripping Romeo and Juliet story by acclaimed writer Malorie Blackman and adapted by Sabrina Mahfouz is a captivating drama of love, revolution and what it means to grow up in a divided world.’ For 40% of the students it was their first experience of live theatre and for others it was game-changing for career ambitions in a locality where creative career paths aren’t often considered.

Breaking Barriers and Opening Doors

From the moment the performance began, students were immersed in a story that felt both powerful and personal, exploring themes of prejudice, injustice, and identity in ways that sparked real conversations long after the curtain call.

One teacher reflected on the immediate impact:

‘Seeing prejudice and intolerance represented on stage allowed for a safe forum to discuss these ideas… on the way home, it was good to hear students talk about these issues.’

In communities where creative careers can feel out of reach, the experience helped shift perceptions:

‘Financial restraints and a view that ‘it’s not for people like us’ holds our students back. We have shown them differently thanks to you.’

There was, as staff described, a ‘real buzz’ among students, many stepping outside their comfort zones and discovering they genuinely enjoyed theatre.

Expanding Horizons Beyond STEM

‘It is always valuable to look at careers outside the STEM area with our students. In Middlesbrough there is a strong STEM career drive and economic deprivation leads many to see creative jobs as unreliable.’ - English Teacher

‘This experience has made me realise that many different jobs are available other than jobs in STEM.’

‘It inspired me to pursue my enthusiasm towards acting… it showed me I can have a chance in that business.’

Others were inspired by backstage roles, from lighting to set design, opening up entirely new career pathways they hadn’t previously considered.

Building Confidence Through First Experiences

For some, the biggest step was simply trying something new:

‘This was extraordinary for me as it was my first theatre production that I was privileged to see.’

Students who had never imagined themselves in a theatre found themselves fully engaged, many now eager to return and experience more live performances.

Supporting Learning and Deepening Understanding

Beyond careers, the production connected directly to classroom learning—particularly in English and Drama. Students drew links to Romeo and Juliet, exploring themes of conflict, power, and forbidden love in a vivid, accessible way.

For Drama students, the live performance offered practical inspiration:

‘It helped me to understand the story better… the Q&A made me want to pursue a career in that field.’

Others highlighted how it supported their their approach to drama, from devising techniques to staging ideas.

Creating Space for Reflection and Conversation

The production didn’t just entertain, it challenged. Students reflected on issues such as racism, inequality, and justice, often relating them to real-world experiences. These conversations extended beyond the theatre, continuing in classrooms, tutor groups, and the journey home.

What stands out most from this trip is the sense of possibility created in a single afternoon. A first visit to the theatre became a moment of recognition for these young people realising, this space is for me too.