The Boy at the Back of the Class

A Children’s Theatre Partnership and Rose Theatre production

The Boy at the Back of the Class

Based on the book by Onjali Q. Raúf
Adapted for the stage by Nick Ahad
Directed by Monique Touko

★★★★
‘”children’s play for today”
Daily Mail

★★★★
“Not just engaging and relatable, but educational in the best sense”
WhatsOnStage

★★★★★
‘”a beautifully moving story – an incredibly striking piece of theatre”
Broadway World

After delighting audiences across the country, and now with a Best Family Show Olivier Award to its name, this smash-hit, joyful play based on the best-selling novel is back with a celebration of friendship kindness and compassion.

There used to be an empty chair at the back of the class, but now a new boy called Ahmet is sitting in it. He’s nine years old (just like me), but he’s very strange. He never talks and never smiles and doesn’t like sweets – not even lemon sherbets, which are my favourite!

After learning that he has fled his own war-torn country, Ahmet’s classmates have ‘The Greatest Idea in the World’ – a magnificent plan to reunite Ahmet with his family. An unexpected and often hilarious adventure follows, all topped off with a terrific twist.

Told from a child’s perspective, balancing heart and humour, The Boy at the Back of the Class highlights the power of good friends and courage in a world that doesn’t always make sense and reminds us that everyone needs a place to call home.

Age recommendation: 7+

Running Time: Approximately 2 hours including interval

School and youth group rate available – find out more

Pre-Show Q&A
Sat 02 May, 6pm – DHL Suite

Join us ahead of the evening performance on Sat 02 May for a pre‑show Q&A with Onjali Q. Raúf, author of The Boy at the Back of the Class, in conversation with local author Emily Barr.