The Boy at the Back of the Class to embark on new tour

Following its world premiere in 2024, The Boy at the Back of the Class will set out on tour next year.

Adapted by Nick Ahmad from Onjali Q Raúf’s best-selling novel, it tells the story of a young refugee boy, Ahmet, and his experience adapting to life at a British school while his classmates hatch a plan to reunite him with his family. The play received a favourable review from WhatsOnStage when it was first seen in London.

The piece will return to the Rose Theatre from 6 to 22 February 2026 before touring the country.

Monique Touko will once again direct the production. Also on the creative team are Lily Arnold (set and costume designer), Ryan Day (lighting designer), Giles Thomas (composer and sound designer), Kloé Dean (movement director), and Sophie Parrott (casting director).

Christopher Haydon, artistic director of the Rose Theatre, said: “We are thrilled to be bringing this heartfelt and still highly relevant story back to our stage and theatres across the UK with Children’s Theatre Partnership.”

He added that Ahad and Touko “have brilliantly captured the wild ride of Onjali Raúf’s book and brought so much heart and passion to this production”, concluding, “I’m eager for new audiences to experience this lovely and inspiring story of inclusion, compassion and kindness.”

Hedda Beeby of Children’s Touring Partnership said: “Being in an audience of young people on the 2024 tour was a joyful and enriching experience. The story truly touches and connects with young lives. Thanks to support from the Arts Council of England, we are delighted to have the opportunity to take this production to young people around the UK once more.”

The Boy at the Back of the Class will visit Belgrade Theatre, Coventry (25 to 28 February), Lowry, Salford (15 to 18 April), Hall for Cornwall, Truro (28 April to 2 May), Blackpool Grand Theatre (5 to 9 May), New Theatre, Cardiff (11 to 16 May) and Alhambra Theatre, Bradford (19 to 23 May). Further dates are to be revealed.

The cast is to be announced.