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The Boy at the Back of The Class

Wed 15 Apr 2026 - Sat 18 Apr 2026
A Children’s Theatre Partnership and Rose Theatre production
 
 
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.
 

Reviews

★★★★ ‘Not just engaging and relatable, but educational in the best sense’ - WhatsOnStage
 
★★★★★ ‘A beautifully moving story - an incredibly striking piece of theatre’ - Broadway World
 
★★★★★ 'A genuinely touching piece of theatre’ - Theatre Weekly
 
 
Winner of the Blue Peter Book Award 2019
Winner of the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize 2019
 
theboyatthebackoftheclass.co.uk

Additional information

Age Recommendation: 7+

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