Review of The Boy at the Back of the Class

In 2019 a new children’s book came out written by Onjali Q Raúf about a young refugee boy from Syria who arrived in the UK separated from his family and started school in a new country, traumatized and far from home. The Boy at the Back of the Class was instantly warmly embraced by children and adults alike and quickly became a bestseller, winning numerous awards.

Later adapted for the stage by Nick Ahad, the production initially toured to great acclaim in 2024, returning this year for a new UK tour and last month winning a hugely deserved Olivier Award for best family show. If anything, sadly, the themes of the play are even more resonant, timely and urgent than they were two years ago. The plight of those fleeing their war-torn homelands and the desperate measures many have to resort to in order to reach a place of safety continues, while the rise of far-right political parties means that the hateful attitudes of some people towards refugees and asylum seekers appear to have become more entrenched.

What Raúf’s original story and Ahad’s adaptation offer is a more optimistic alternative view and, crucially, hope for the future. When nine-year-old Ahmet (Fedrat Sadat) is first introduced by kindly Mrs Khan (Natasha Lewis) to his new classmates Alexa (Sasha Desouza-Willock), Michael (Abdul-Malik Hanneh), Josie (Petra Joan-Athene) and Tom (Jonny Warr), he is quiet and subdued. The four – who dub themselves the A-team – are caring and thoughtful and determine to befriend Ahmet. Others are not so nice including the class bully Brendan (Max Jordan) and a nasty teacher (both of whom later get their comeuppance). When Alexa hears that the government are about to “close the gates” to refugees, she persuades her friends to join her in embarking on a quest to reunite Ahmet with his parents.

There is no talking down to the intended young audience and nothing is sugar-coated in terms of some of the shocking details of Ahmet’s story or the racism and prejudice that he and other refugees face on a daily basis. But that is embedded within a thrilling adventure story that is laced with plenty of laugh out loud moments and physical comedy. On press night, the auditorium was packed with primary schoolchildren who were extremely appreciative and attentive. The young adult actors embody their child characters with grace and energy; their physicality is perfect and the wisdom in their innocence beautifully portrayed.

Full of warmth, humour and humanity, the production’s message is clear, powerful and moving – kindness, understanding and empathy really can, and do, make a difference.

To May 23.