A thrilling adaptation of Malorie Blackman's best-selling novel about young love in a dystopian world.

Callum and Sephy have known each other since they were babies. His mum used to work for hers as housekeeper, and they played together and became best friends. Then Callum's mother lost her job and they had to start meeting in secret. Because Callum is a Nought - a second class citizen - and Sephy a Cross, one of the elite. And Noughts and Crosses can't mix....

In this segregated society, Noughts are nonentities - discriminated against, denigrated, denied decent education. But now Callum's passed the entrance exams and been allowed into Sephy's posh school. Surely this is his first step to a better life, one where he and Sephy can be together?

Only it doesn't work out that way. Instead of acceptance, the couple face opposition, intimidation and violence. They know they're made for each other - but the world keeps tearing them apart. And soon bigger things will prevail. Like the bombing....

Malorie Blackman's groundbreaking book has won a host of awards and become a modern classic, with themes of racism and prejudice that still resonate today. This powerful, hard-hitting dramatisation was written by award-winning playwright Janice Okoh, and stars Zawe Ashton as Sephy, with Rikki Lawton as Callum.

Also included is a bonus episode of Word of Mouth, in which Malorie Blackman talks to Michael Rosen about her lifelong love of reading, the writing that has shaped her and how she's used language in her own influential work.

Cast:

Sephy - Zawe Ashton

Callum - Rikki Lawton

Meggie/Jasmine - Adjoa Andoh

Ryan/Andrew Dorn - Carl Prekopp

Jude - Alex Lanipekun

Lynette/Sarah - Tracy Wiles

Kamal - Jude Akuwudike

Kelani Adams - Nikki Amuka Bird

Mr Pingule - Israel Oyelumade

Mr Stoll/Judge - Richard Pepple

Soanes/Sgt Collins - Gerard McDermott

Shania - Victoria Inez Hardy

Adapted by Janice Okoh

Director/Producer Marion Nancarrow

First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 25th February 2012.