No longer booking
  • Venue Hackney Empire, London
  • Performance dates Booking to 14 May 2026
  • Running time 2 hours 30 minutes (including interval)
  • Age guidelines 12+

Widely regarded as one of the most powerful novels of the 21st century, Malorie Blackman’s Noughts and Crosses comes to the London stage for a strictly limited run at Hackney Empire.

This gripping adaptation by Sabrina Mahfouz, presented by Pilot Theatre in association with Northern Stage, brings a bold and thought-provoking story of love, race and division to life.

Running from 12-14 May 2026. Book Noughts & Crosses tickets at Hackney Empire

What is Noughts & Crosses about?

“Why love, if losing hurts so much?”

Sephy and Callum are in love — but in their world, that love is forbidden.

Sephy is a Cross. Callum is a Nought. In a society divided by race, power and privilege, their relationship defies everything they have been taught.

A deeply moving love story with echoes of Romeo and Juliet, Noughts and Crosses follows two young people from opposite sides of a divided world, risking everything as tensions rise and violence begins to erupt around them.

As their bond grows stronger, Sephy and Callum must navigate a dangerous path where love, loyalty and identity are put to the ultimate test.

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Performance Information

Check booking calendar for full details

Stars and Creatives

Who are the creative team of Noughts & Crosses?

Writer: Malorie Blackman
Director: Esther Richardson
Design: Simon Kenny

Important Notes

Additional information
There will be a 20-minute post-show talk with members of the Noughts and Crosses company after the 1pm performance on Wed 13 May, open to all ticket holders.

Venue Information

Hackney Empire , 291 Mare Street, London, E8 1EJ

Nearest Tube or Train: Hackney Central (Train)

Nearest Buses: 30, 38, 48, 55, 106, 236 (24hr), 242 (24hr), 253, 254, 276, 277 (24hr), 394, D6, W15, N38, N55, N106, N253

Directions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Noughts & Crosses is playing at the Hackney Empire in London
The running time of Noughts & Crosses is 2 hours 30 minutes (including interval)
The age recommendations for Noughts & Crosses are: 12+
Yes, Noughts & Crosses has matinee performances on the following days: Wednesday, Thursday
No, sorry, Noughts & Crosses has now completed its run and is no longer on sale.

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