The boy at the back of the class
A unique theatrical production highlighting curiosity, grief, and the power of community, “The Boy At The Back Of The Class” is a true testament to the power of performance in inspiring empathy.
Based on the novel by Onjali Q. Raúf and adapted by Nick Ahad, “The Boy At The Back Of The Class” is a heartwarming story following a child's experience of arriving in the U.K. as a refugee after leaving his home in Syria. The production at Kingston’s local theatre has been directed by Monique Touko, and incorporates school-age references like One Direction’s music in order to truly engage audiences of all ages. The story, told from nine-year-old Ahmet’s perspective, follows his friends' plans to reunite him with his family who he was separated from on his journey to the U.K. The play celebrates the impact of kindness and friendship, and how a community can come together to help create a home for a newcomer.
Carrie Burnham, the play’s producer, spoke about how “The Boy At The Back Of The Class” contributes to the public discourse surrounding refugees today.
Noting its impact, she said, “We are really proud that both the book and stage version of TBATBOTC, for many young people is the first conversation opener about refugees and how we can interact and respond as a community. This engagement gives a new perspective and understanding on the issues at hand.”
The production at the Rose Theatre in Kingston is the second run of the show, as it previously ran in 2024 and received positive reviews from WhatsOnStage and the Daily Mail. It is currently embarking on a tour of the U.K., concluding in Bradford at the end of May 2026.
From the moment the actors first came on stage with a blue sheet in hand, depicting the treacherous waters that refugees often traverse when coming to the U.K. by boat, the audience was locked in. The primary school-aged children in the audience were mesmerised, and this initial engaging scene, accompanied by One Direction’s song “The Story of My Life,” encouraged them to not only listen, but also contribute.
The cast and crew behind “The Boy At The Back Of The Class” expertly engineered the show in such a way that audience members not only feel compelled to watch, but also become directly involved in the story. By utilising references relevant to both children and adults, the show encouraged audience members to participate.
The crew also noted the actors’ efforts to embody children by displaying child-like characteristics in order to evoke empathy and make the production relatable for young audiences. Because of these efforts, throughout the performance, the children in the audience laughed, cheered, and spoke directly to the actors, voicing their thoughts on Ahmet’s story, and how he was treated by those around him.
In the penultimate scene, when Ahmet announces to his peers that the Home Office has located his parents, the entire theatre was filled with joyous cheers from the students, bringing tears to the eyes of many adults in the room. This moment alone was one of the most powerful of the entire afternoon performance.
A true moment of connection was highlighted after the performance, during the Q&A with Refugee Action Kingston (RAK), when a young boy in the audience shouted “I speak the same language as Ahmet!” (Kurdish) to the panelists. This short but meaningful moment emphasised how important it is to be seen and have cultural pride.
This run of “The Boy At the Back of the Class” is not only emotive but also incredibly timely. The sociopolitical circumstances surrounding the reception of refugees and people seeking asylum in the U.K. have drastically shifted in recent years, with anti-migrant sentiment rising online and offline.
A 2025 article from the Institute for Strategic Dialogue highlighted that, amidst increasing anti-migrant protests nationally, “more than 76,000 posts contained calls for the UK to enact remigration” and therefore deport those of foreign heritage. Further, the discourse against migrants has become so polarised that mass riots took place in the summer of 2025 in which some protestors committed violence outside of hotels housing asylum seekers, resulting in numerous arrests.
In producing the current production of “The Boy At The Back Of The Class,” the Rose Theatre has partnered with RAK, a local non-profit that helps those seeking sanctuary in the U.K. rebuild their lives in London.
Operating for more than 30 years in South West London, RAK provides refugees and people seeking asylum with support through welfare, legal, and educational services.
Like “The Boy At The Back Of The Class,” RAK also helps refugee children and their parents by helping them navigate the U.K. school system, acquire necessary supplies, learn English, and more through their ‘Bright Futures’ programme. Being able to learn in a safe and welcoming environment is vital to help young people build confidence and thrive.
While “The Boy At the Back of the Class” is playing in Kingston, RAK have put up a display, including artwork and real-life stories from refugees in Kingston. They will also be taking donations to help support their life-changing services.
Regarding the collaboration, Shamil Sharshek, a fundraiser at RAK, said, "Our collaboration with the Rose Theatre on The Boy at the Back of the Class has been a truly meaningful experience for Refugee Action Kingston. From the early rehearsal-room Q&A, where I and our clients shared their stories to help the cast portray refugee experiences with authenticity, to the post‑show discussions with young audiences, this partnership has brought understanding and empathy to the forefront.”
“The Rose generously offered free tickets to our clients, volunteers, and staff, helping make the production accessible to the whole community. Most importantly, the play shines a light on the real issues refugees face — discrimination, loss, and isolation — while also celebrating courage, friendship, and the power of kindness. It has been a wonderful example of community spirit and collaboration coming together to tell a vital and human story."
This powerful play will move you and inspire you to take action and step up for those seeking safety in the U.K. More information on “The Boy At the Back of the Class,” is available on their website.
Written by Maya Mehrara