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.
An unexpected and hilarious adventure
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.
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.
"Beautifully moving... an incredibly striking piece of theatre"Broadway World
"A children’s play for today"Daily Mail
"Engaging and relatable"WhatsOnStage
"A genuinely touching piece of theatre"Theatre Weekly
Performance details
- Show times
- Evenings
- 7.30pm
- Matinee
- Sat 2.30pm
- Running time
2 hours 10 minutes, including one interval
- Age suitability
7+
Discounts
Friends 20% off (excl Fri & Sat) – Read more about the Friends discount
Concessions £3 off (excl. Fri & Sat)
Accessibility information
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Audio described performance
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Touch tours Sat 21 March, 1pm
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British Sign Language performance
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Captioned performance
We believe theatre is for everyone, and we want your visit to be as easy and enjoyable as possible.
If you’d like advice when booking or planning your trip, please get in touch with us. You can also find more access information for the Festival Theatre using the button below.
Access informationCredits
Based on the book by Onjali Q.Rauf
Adapted for stage by Nick Ahad
Directed by Monique Touko