New dates have been announced for the 2026 UK tour of The Boy at the Back of the Class which will run through to May 2026.
The Children’s Theatre Partnership and Rose Theatre production will begin its UK tour on 6th February 2026, playing the Rose Theatre, Kingston until 22nd February, before touring UK venues.
The tour of The Boy at the Back of the Class will now also play at Southampton’s Mayflower Studios, Edinburgh’s Festival Theatre, Eastbourne’s Devonshire Park Theatre, Bristol Old Vic and the Southbank Centre’s Queen Elizabeth Hall in London.
Monique Touko will direct Nick Ahad’s critically acclaimed adaptation of Onjali Q. Raúf’s best-selling novel celebrating friendship, kindness and compassion.
About the show
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.
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 – 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.
Education resources and school discounts
School groups of ten or more can enjoy discounted tickets for performances of The Boy at the Back of the Class at selected venues.
Teachers can download a class resource pack containing activity ideas to be used alongside studying the story. Activities can be adapted for different themes, characters and events from the story, including exploring prejudice and discrimination and refugees.
For more information about the production, including the full tour schedule visit theboyatthebackoftheclass.co.uk.
