The Boy at the back of the Class
Rose Theatre, Kingston
until 22nd February 2026
Based on the novel by Onjali Q. Raúf
Adapted by Nick Ahad
Directed by Monique Touko
Produced by Rose Theatre and Children’s Theatre Partnership
Onjali Q. Raúf published her debut children’s novel, The Boy at the Back of the Class, in 2018 to critical acclaim. The novel won multiple awards including the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize and the Blue Peter Book Award, and was adapted for the stage in 2024 by Nick Ahad with an adult cast portraying the children in the story. The show is now beginning its second tour and has started this month at the Rose Theatre in Kingston upon Thames. Following a group of primary school children as they meet their new classmate, Ahmet, and learn that he fled a war-torn country, they devise a plan to help him settle in, battling against prejudice and violence to show that hope, love and friendship are far greater unifiers.
Entering the Rose Theatre, the stage was reminiscent of a school hall – a wooden gymnasium wall on the back and a single chair with a red backpack in the centre, with large translucent rectangular columns bordering the stage. The set, designed by Lily Arnold, was used well throughout, the gymnasium opening out to create new spaces, and certain props, such as the cartoon placards at the back of the stage which depicted Ahmet’s journey from his homeland of Syria, were clever devices in bringing the story to life.
Whilst the show focuses of Ahmet (played by Serkan Avlik) and the effect his story has on his classmates, the story is mostly narrated by Alexa, played by Sasha Desouza-Willock. Alexa is a compassionate and curious character, dealing with her own loss but remaining firmly determined to help Ahmet through his, and is portrayed well by Desouza-Willock. The cast were effective in their characterisation of the children, all unique and vivid, but a particular stand-out was Evie Weldon, who played Clarissa, a little girl of extreme self-confidence, reminiscent of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’s Veruca Salt. Weldon undertook an array of equally excellent multi-roles, including a fruit seller, a King’s Guard, and the discriminatory teacher Mr Irons.
Movement and sound were used frequently throughout the show, representing different locations and memories, although at times both felt a little overused. Kloé Dean’s movement direction was effective and engaging, allowing the audience to immerse themselves in the world of the children (particularly during the repeated ‘Mission: Impossible’ sequences, which brought a lot of comedy to the story as the children endeavoured to find out more about Ahmet). Giles Thomas’ sound design also enhanced the show, building tension and evoking emotion; a particular moment that stood out for both was a football sequence in which the children interacted physically with Ahmet for the first time, encouraging him to join their game; it was a moving moment in which a game and the connection made through it, transcended the language barriers between the children.
The story itself is impactful, particularly in the world we find ourselves in today, and the script raises interesting points; how children understand and interpret politics, how they can make a difference to what they believe in and how parents and teachers views and opinions effect and influence children, for example the anti-immigration rhetoric used by the characters of Brendan the Bully’s dad and Mr Irons, reflecting in how Brendan (played by Max Jordan) talks to, and treats, Ahmet.
At times, the script felt repetitive, and for a show advertised for ages 7+, it was perhaps a little long (two hours inc interval). I also felt certain themes were perhaps heavy for young children, however it was clear from shouts of support from some of the younger members of the audience when Ahmet came on stage, that this is a show with characters people truly care about, a show that celebrates our brilliantly multicultural society and, in the words of Nick Ahad, a show that “maybe … will set alight fires of hope in audiences young and old”.
The Boy at the Back of the Class is playing at the Rose Theatre Kingston until 22nd Feb and continues touring around the UK until 23rd May.
Running time: Approx. 2hrs incl. interval
Age guidance: 7+ All children over the age of 18 months requre their own ticket
Cast
Serkan Avlik as Ahmet,
Sasha Desouza-Willock as Alexa,
Abdul-Malik Janneh as Michael,
Petra Joan-Athene as Josie,
Max Jordan as Brendan the Bully,
Yash Kutty as Swing,
Natasha Lewis as Mrs Khan / Mum,
Eleanor Patel as Mrs Sanders / Shop Customer / Swing,
Fedrat Sadat as Mr Musa / Police Officer / Swing,
Jonny Warr as Tom and
Evie Weldon as Clarissa.
Reviewer: Lily Sitzia
Photo: Manuel Harlen
Also playing at Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne: 24-28 March Tickets