X & Y is an comedic, thought-provoking play that explores the answers to the deep questions of life.

A friendship grows between the characters of X (Marcus du Sautoy) and Y (Victoria Gould), as Y begins to teach X the reality of life while X also teaches Y how to be optimistic.

X relies on equations to understand life. Y tries to convince X that life is not all dependent on equations and as the play unfolds they develop a “co-dependent relationship”.

A wave of laughter rippled through the audience regularly as X began to understand the extent of life while misunderstanding everyday objects and places.

They also explored some more serious, philosophical questions and concepts such as Y explaining to X that life is not infinite.

It explored the ‘happy-ever-after’ dream and uncovered how Y thinks about life. This was interesting, and made the play even more captivating.

Mathematics and physics are key aspects of the play. Although advanced terminology was used it did not affect the audience’s ability to understand the story.

It also enhanced the jokes and the comedic side of the play.

Walking into the play, the cube that was X’s room, is illuminated.

This creates a eerie feel at the beginning of the play and intrigues you from the start.

This play was unique and interesting. It made you think hard, laugh and go away with the inspiration to see outside the box.

Harriet Steward, part of the Canterbury Festival young critics scheme