The Boy at the Back of the Class

The Boy at the Back of the Class at Queen Elizabeth Hall, London

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, but he's very strange. He never talks and never smiles and doesn't like sweets. After learning that Ahmet has fled his own war-torn country, his classmates come up with what they call "The Greatest Idea in the World", a magnificent plan to reunite Ahmet with his missing family. The Boy at the Back of the Class, adapted from Onjali Q. Raúf's beloved bestseller by Nick Ahad, plays at the Queen Elizabeth Hall on London's South Bank from 7 to 12 April 2026, as part of a major UK tour.

What Is The Boy at the Back of the Class About?

Told entirely through the eyes of a nine-year-old narrator, this production balances humour and heart with remarkable skill. One moment you're laughing at the children's wild plans, the next you're caught off guard by a quiet, powerful truth about what it means to lose your home. Director Monique Touko, winner of The Stage Debut Award, brings enormous energy and emotional honesty to the staging, keeping the pace lively while never shying away from the story's deeper themes of displacement, racism and compassion.

The Boy at the Back of the Class Cast and Creative Team

The novel has sold over a million copies and won the Blue Peter Book Award, and the stage adaptation has drawn rave reviews since its first tour. In a world where headlines about refugees can feel distant and abstract, this show makes the experience personal and immediate. It reminds audiences, young and old, that kindness isn't just a nice idea. It's an action. The production is a collaboration between Rose Theatre and Children's Theatre Partnership, with the creative team including set and costume designer Lily Arnold, lighting designer Ryan Day, composer and sound designer Giles Thomas, and movement director Kloé Dean.

A Family-Friendly Show for Ages 7 and Over

This is a show designed for children aged 6 and over, but it resonates just as strongly with adults. It's the kind of family theatre that opens up real conversations without ever feeling heavy-handed. Whether you're bringing your kids, your students or simply your own curiosity, The Boy at the Back of the Class delivers a genuinely uplifting experience.

Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre

Queen Elizabeth Hall is part of the Southbank Centre, one of London's most iconic cultural complexes. Located on the South Bank of the Thames near Waterloo station, the venue is known for its flexible staging, excellent acoustics and wide-ranging programme of music, theatre and dance. The Southbank Centre also includes the Royal Festival Hall and the Hayward Gallery, making it easy to build a full day out around your visit.

Book The Boy at the Back of the Class Tickets

The London run at Queen Elizabeth Hall lasts just one week, so act quickly. The show also tours to venues across the UK from February to May 2026. Book your tickets on tickadoo and share this inspiring story with the young people in your life.