A Children’s Theatre Partnership and Rose Theatre production
The Boy At The Back Of The Class (2026)
The Boy at the Back of the Class
Based on the book by Onjali Q. Raúf Adapted for the stage by Nick Ahad
Touring 2026
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 friendship and kindness in a world that doesn’t always make sense and reminds us that everyone needs a place to call home.
Reviews
“‘A lovely, warm-hearted celebration of courage and friendship.’
“‘This is a beautiful, open-hearted debut that should help children be the best they can be and realise the power of kindness.’
Cast
Coming soon
Creatives
- Based on the novel by
Onjali Q. Raúf - Adapted by
Nick Ahad - Directed by
Monique Touko - Designed by
Lily Arnold - Lighting Design by
Ryan Day - Sound Design & Composition by
Giles Thomas - Movement Direction by
Kloé Dean - Casting by
Sophie Parrott
The Boy At The Back Of The Class (2026)
Touring 2026
- Fri 6 - Sun 22 February 2026KINGSTON UPON THAMESRose TheatreBox Office020 8174 0090Book now
- Wed 25 - Sat 28 February 2026COVENTRYBelgrade TheatreBox Office024 7655 3055Book now
- Tue 10 - Sat 14 March 2026SOUTHAMPTONMayflower StudiosBox Office02380711811Book now
- Thu 19 - Sat 21 March 2026EDINBURGHFestival TheatreBox Office0131 529 6000Book now
- Tue 24 - Sat 28 March 2026EASTBOURNEDevonshire Park TheatreBox Office01323 412000Book now
- Tue 31 March - Sat 4 April 2026BRISTOLOld VicBox Office0117 987 7877Book now
- Tue 7 - Sun 12 April 2026LONDONSouthbank Centre's Queen Elizabeth HallBox Office20 3879 95555Book now
- Wed 15 - Sat 18 April 2026SALFORDThe LowryBox Office016 1876 2000Book now
- Tue 28 April - Sat 2 May 2026TRUROHall for CornwallBox Office018 7226 2466Book now
- Tue 5 - Sat 9 May 2026BLACKPOOLGrand TheatreBox Office012 5329 0190Book now
- Tue 12 - Sat 16 May 2026CARDIFFNew TheatreBox Office034 3310 0041Book now
- Tue 19 - Sat 23 May 2026BRADFORDAlhambra TheatreBox Office012 7443 2000Book now