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The Boy at the Back of the Class

Based on the bestselling novel
Fri 6 February - Sun 22 February
6 February
-
22 February

"There used to be an empty chair at the back of the class, but now a new boy called Ahmet is sitting in it."

A Rose Theatre and Children's Theatre Partnership production

Based on the novel by Onjali Q. Raúf
Adapted by Nick Ahad
Directed by Monique Touko

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.

★★★★★ 'Beautifully powerful and moving' - LondonTheatre1

★★★★ 'A moving, funny and important production' - Broadway World

Praise for 2024 production:


★★★★ ‘Dynamic and pop-infused’ - WhatsOnStage

★★★★ 'Joyous adaptation of Onjali Q Raúf’s novel’ - The Stage

★★★★ ‘A clear, compassionate children’s play for today’ - Daily Mail

The Boy at the Back of the Class education pack

Discover the themes and characters of the stage adaptation of The Boy at the Back of the Class. Includes: classroom activities, exploration of the key themes and a historical context of British refugees.

 

View Rose Resource Hub

Part of

Event details

Running time: Approx. 2hrs incl. interval
Age guidance: 7+ All children over the age of 18 months requre their own ticket

This production contains haze, flashing lights, use of racial slurs and themes of warfare.

Cafe & Bar open before the show

Hot drinks are not available during intervals and other busy times.

Age Restrictions within the Rose Theatre auditorium. Children cannot be unaccompanied in the auditorium under the age of 14. Any child who is accompanying another minor in the auditorium must not be under the age of 16.

Access performances: https://www.rosetheatre.org/access-ntvf

Travel Information: Please note that direct trains between Waterloo and Kingston are not running between 14-17 February, other routes are available. Click here for more information.  

 

Principal supporter:

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Photo: Manuel Harlan
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Credits

Serkan Avlik

Ahmet

Sasha Desouza-Willock

Alexa

Abdul-Malik Janneh

Michael

Petra Joan-Athene

Josie

Max Jordan

Brendan the Bully

Yash Kutty

Swing

Natasha Lewis

Mum / Mrs. Khan

Eleanor Patel

Mrs. Sanders / Swing

Fedrat Sadat

Mr Singh / Police Officer / Swing

Jonny Warr

Tom

Evie Weldon

Clarissa

Joe Dines

Associate Sound Designer

Onjali Q. Raúf

Author

Nick Ahad

Writer

Monique Touko

Director

Amy Crighton

Co - Revival Director

Lily Arnold

Set & Costume Designer

Ryan Day

Lighting Designer

Giles Thomas

Sound Designer & Composer

Kloé Dean

Movement Director

Maisie Carter

Fight Director

Sophie Parrott CDG

Casting Director

Salvatore Sorce

Voice & Dialect Coach

Charly Dunford

Associate Lighting Designer

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