Interview with Jessica Layde, Noughts and Crosses at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
Conducted by Emmie for Theatre and Tonic
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre has some stunning theatrical delights on the horizon for its summer season. One of these is a brand-new adaptation of Malorie Blackman’s Noughts and Crosses, which begins performances on 28 June. Ahead of its opening night, we caught up with Jessica Layde (Measure For Measure, Donmar Warehouse), who stars in the production, to learn more about this hard-hitting play.
What first drew you to this production of Noughts & Crosses?
I‘ve loved the book since I was a teenager, so I jumped at the chance, if I’m being honest. And then the combo of Tinuke Craig and Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre really sealed the deal.
For those who don’t know much about the story, can you give us a little idea of what it is about?
It’s set in an alternative reality in which Africa has colonised the West and recontextualised Britain, ‘Albion’, is under Apartheid, splitting the ruling class (Crosses) of African heritage from the lower class (Noughts) of Caucasian heritage. That is the gruelling backdrop for a beautiful tale of young love and friendship between Sephy, a ‘Cross’ and Callum, a ‘Nought’.
Adapted from Malorie Blackmans’ book which was published in 2001, how does this production reinterpret or is relatable for a 2025 audience?
Dominic Cooke adapted the book back in 2007 for the RSC and what’s so beautiful is that he has come back to update his script with us so the language is fitted to a modern audience. But Malorie Blackman’s book is very much still relatable today. I think we would love for it not to be, but it portrays institutionalised racism so accurately, and the racial flip is so confounding, you are confronted with how racism is rationalised and intellectualised. We see how power allows racism to thrive. We see how the media can twist narratives to benefit those in power. It’s all so incredibly current.
There are a lot of powerful, political, and emotionally charged themes in Noughts & Crosses. What has it been like exploring those issues through the perspective of your character Minerva but also personally too?
As a black woman, I have experienced racism my whole life, so to play Minerva, someone of sizeable privilege, is a complete 180 for me. I’ve had to examine what it would be like to remove that weight of otherness and add on a lightness of being. An ingrained superiority and entitlement, and freedom. It makes you question who you would be without these ideas, how much of myself is a reaction to the way I am perceived, to how hard I have to work, it’s fascinating really.
Talking of your character Minerva, she’s a powerful character in the storyline and often acts as a bridge between Sephy and her family. Do you relate to her journey at all?
Yes heavily! I’m actually the younger sibling, but I have very older-sibling energy. You have to be really reliable and independent, but there is something about being reliable that can feel dissatisfying. Minerva follows the rules, she’s always presentable, she’s the only person looking after Jasmine, their mother, but to what effect? Her sister, Sephy, remains the focus and Minerva’s loyalty goes unrewarded. But Minerva also sees everything and there’s so much power in that. Her perception keeps her ahead of everyone else.
Is there a particular scene or moment in the play you’re most excited—or nervous—to perform live?
Quite a few to be honest! Without spoiling the story, there are multiple moments I’m excited for the audience to see. This is a play that lays things out raw, there are beautiful moments of vulnerability, connection and true grit throughout.
You are performing this production at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, how do you think this will impact the audience's experiences?
The sun will set during our show every night; you can’t beat that. It adds that extra magic you really can’t get elsewhere. Live theatre is always electric but outside, we’re in the elements! There’s an added buzz in the air because anything could happen so you really feel alert and connected to the people around you.
What do you hope audiences will take from a visit to watch Noughts & Crosses, especially in today’s social and political climate?
I hope audiences come out of our show drawing parallels to the world around us. It’s a political play, and it’s not shy about it. Our setting is an Apartheid state, and we see how that pressure fuels hate and apathy. We feel where rebellion generates, it’s guttural, so it’s universal, and I hope that inspires empathy.
Finally, if people haven’t booked their tickets yet - why should they come and see Noughts & Crosses at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre?
The subject matter is powerful but the play is full of charm and heart-warming moments as well. The central love story is so beautiful to watch, they are like two puppies; I remember watching them during the read-through and just grinning from ear to ear. You’ll be moved, you’ll laugh, you’ll gasp, you might cry; I can’t think of a better way to spend your evening.
Noughts and Crosses plays at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre from 28 June to 26 July 2025.
