The Boy at
the Back of
the Class

Tue 4 - Sat 8 Jun 2024

Synopsis

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 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. 

‘A lovely, warm-hearted celebration of courage and friendship.’
The Guardian 

‘This is a beautiful, open-hearted debut that should help children be the best they can be and realise the power of kindness.’
Book Trust 

Winner of the Blue Peter Book Award 2019
Winner of the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize 2019 

 

Age Guidance: 7+
Running Time: 2 hours (including a 20-minute interval)

Tickets

DISCOUNTS*
£15 Under 16s
£2 off  16-26 yrs and/or Students (with a free 16-26 & Student Membership), and Curve Connect  
£2 off Under 18s school groups
£2 off for Groups 10+
£2.50 off for Groups 20+
15% off for Members

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ACCESS PERFORMANCES

Captioned: Sat 8 Jun, 2.00pm
Captioner: Stagetext

For more information about our Access Performances, please click here.

Access performances at Curve are kindly sponsored by Hotel Brooklyn, Leicester and David Wilson Homes.

*Discounts are subject to availability and may be removed at any time. Only valid on certain performances - terms and conditions apply.

Credits & Acknowledgments

A Children’s Theatre Partnership and Rose Theatre production of The Boy at the Back of the Class 

Based on the book by Onjali Q. Raúf 

Adapted for the stage by Nick Ahad 

Directed by Monique Touko

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Reviews

Raúf book is at once tearjerking and chuckle-inducing and will go a long way to restore faith in human nature.

Sunday Post

Utterly delightful, Raúf book centres on the importance of friendship and encourages children not to fear those who are different'.

The Mail On Sunday

that shows us how children can sometimes get it so much better than adults

Angels & Urchins

opens up a dialogue that we need to be having with our young people

TES

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