The Boy at the Back of the Class

After delighting audiences across the country, this smash-hit, joyful play based on the best-selling novel is coming to Cornwall with a celebration of friendship kindness and compassion…

A Children’s Theatre Partnership and Rose Theatre production

Based on the book by Onjali Q. Raúf
Adapted for the stage by Nick Ahad
Directed by Monique Touko

★★★★
‘”children’s play for today”
Daily Mail

★★★★
“Not just engaging and relatable, but educational in the best sense”
WhatsOnStage

★★★★★
‘”a beautifully moving story – an incredibly striking piece of theatre”
Broadway World

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.

Age recommendation: 7+