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The Boy at the Back of the Class

Based on the bestselling novel
Sat 3 February - Thu 22 February
3 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 Original Production with Children's Theatre Partnership

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.


Winner of the Blue Peter Book Award 2019
Winner of the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize 2019


‘A lovely, warm-hearted celebration of courage and friendship.’ - The Guardian

‘This is a beautiful, open-hearted debut that should help children be the best they can be and realise the power of kindness.’ - Book Trust

Event details

Running time: Approx. 2hrs 10 mins incl. interval
Age guidance: 7+

Please note, all children over the age of 18 months require their own ticket

Age Restrictions within the Rose Theatre auditorium. Children can NOT 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.

Members evening: Thursday 15 February, 5:30pm, David Jacobs Room

The 2pm performance on 13 February and 11am performance on 20 February will be directly followed by post-show talks with Bassam Mahfouz, Director of Refugee Action Kingston. Please stay in your seat and the talk will begin shortly after the show.

 

Credit: Manuel Harlan
Credit: Manuel Harlan
Credit: Manuel Harlan
Credit: Manuel Harlan
Credit: Manuel Harlan
Credit: Manuel Harlan
Credit: Manuel Harlan
Credit: Manuel Harlan
Credit: Manuel Harlan
Credit: Manuel Harlan
Credit: Manuel Harlan
Credit: Manuel Harlan
Credit: Manuel Harlan
Credit: Manuel Harlan
Credit: Manuel Harlan
Credit: Manuel Harlan
Credit: Manuel Harlan
Credit: Manuel Harlan

Credits

Priya Davdra

Mum / Mrs. Khan

Sasha Desouza-Willock

Alexa

Megan Grech

Mrs. Sanders / Swing

Abdul-Malik Janneh

Michael / Stan the Taxi Man

Petra Joan-Athene

Josie / Journalist

Joe McNamara

Brendan / Mr. Brown / Mr. Marbles / Queen's Guard One

Gordon Millar

Tom / Frank

Farshid Rokey

Ahmet

Adam Seridji

Mr. Hart / Swing

Zoe Zak

Clarissa / Mrs. Grimsby / Mr. Irons / Mrs. Marbles / Queen's Guard Two

Dame Vanessa Redgrave

Voice of Queen Elizabeth II

Onjali Q. Raúf

Based on the novel by

Nick Ahad

Writer

Monique Touko

Director

Lily Arnold

Set & Costume Designer

Ryan Day

Lighting Designer

Giles Thomas

Composer & Sound Designer

Kloé Dean

Movement Director

Sophie Parrott CDG

Casting Director

Maisie Carter

Fight Director

Amy Crighton

Assistant Director

Sarah Holland

Costume Supervisor

Evie Holdcroft

Props Supervisor