CHILDREN’S THEATRE PARTNERSHIP AND ROSE THEATRE PRESENT THE 2026 UK TOUR OF ONJALI Q. RAUF’S THE BOY AT THE BACK OF THE CLASS ADAPTED FOR THE STAGE BY NICK AHAD
After delighting audiences across the country in 2024, The Boy at the Back of the Class, a celebration of friendship, kindness and compassion, is back. Following a two-week run at Rose Theatre, from 6-22 February 2026, Nick Ahmad’s critically and publicly acclaimed adaptation of Onjali Q. Raúf’s award-winning and best-selling novel will tour the UK including Lowry, Salford from 15-18 April 2026 (tickets on sale from 27 June at thelowry.com). The production will once again be directed by The Stage Debut Award-winner, 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.
The cast is to be announced.
Hedda Beeby of Children’s Touring Partnership said, “Being in an audience of young people on the 2024 tour was a joyful and enriching experience. The story truly touches and connects with young lives. Thanks to support from the Arts Council of England, we are delighted to have the opportunity to take this production to young people around the UK once more.”
Rose Artistic Director Christopher Haydon said, “We are thrilled to be bringing this heartfelt and still highly relevant story back to our stage and theatres across the UK with Children’s Theatre Partnership. Writer Nick Ahad and director Monique Touko have brilliantly captured the wild ride of Onjali Raúf’s book and brought so much heart and passion to this production. I’m eager for new audiences to experience this lovely and inspiring story of inclusion, compassion and kindness."
The creative team includes Monique Touko (Director), Lily Arnold (Set & Costume Designer), Ryan Day (Lighting Designer), Giles Thomas (Composer & Sound Designer), Kloé Dean (Movement Director) and Sophie Parrott CDG (Casting Director).
Winner of the Blue Peter Book Award 2019
Winner of the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize 2019