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The Boy at the Back of the Class

Ticket Price

£16 - £29

A transaction fee of up to £3.95 may apply.

Performance Dates

Tue 12th May 2026 - Sat 16th May 2026

Runtime

approximately 2 hours including interval

Category

Age Restriction

Age recommendation: 7+

Overview

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 

After delighting audiences across the country, the 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. 

Winner of the Blue Peter Book Award 2019 

Winner of the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize 2019 

 Ages 7+ 

Reviews

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Not just engaging and relatable, but educational in the best sense
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- WhatsOnStage
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A beautifully moving story - an incredibly striking piece of theatre
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- Broadway World
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A genuinely touching piece of theatre
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- Theatre Weekly
Tue 12 - Sat 16 May 2026
£16 - £29
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