Review: THE BOY AT THE BACK OF THE CLASS, Rose Theatre Kingston - Tour

Photo credit: Manuel Harlan

Adapted by Nick Ahad, The Boy at the Back of the Class is based on Onjali Q. Raúf’s beloved children’s book that tells the story of a nine-year-old Syrian refugee, Ahmet, arriving at his new school in the United Kingdom. Upon learning Ahmet is separated from his family, our loveable narrator (Alexa) hits upon the “greatest plan ever” to become Ahmet’s “best friend” and locate his parents who are left “behind”.

With sharp and energetic direction by Monique Touko, audiences are taken on a journey through Ahmet’s travel across the sea and borders into the recognisable British classroom and into the imagination of a child. The audience light up during animated moments such as the children playing football with Ahmet (a star player) with well executed choreography by Kloé Dean. Meaningful moments of stillness and quiet are inserted well into an overall fast-paced and entertaining Rose Original production.

Lily Arnold’s set design inspires a youthful sense of play while enabling dynamics and levels as performers climb and swing with childlike ease across the stage. The lighting design by Ryan Day can boast moments of excitement while Giles Thomas’ sound design works impactfully to give voice to Ahmet and his story when words are not available.

Farshid Rokey packs a powerful punch with his performance of Ahmet who faces discrimination while forming meaningful friendships at his new school. Rokey is instantly believable and endearing as Ahmet as their performance is mature, humorous and heart-breaking. Indeed, the ensemble cast of children are each talented performers and have the audience in the palm of their hands with their buzzing comedy and nuances that give unique personalities to these 9, 9 ½ and 9 ¾ year old characters.

In Act Two, Ahmet tells his story to his classmates (and the audience) of travelling from Syria to escape the bombing with his family. Ahmet’s story is partly told through his words and powerfully through Ahmet’s sketchbook. Five sketches that illustrate the journey from Syria to the UK are hung on the climbing frame set and one such sketch shows Ahmet’s family which he has labelled as “Mum, Dad, Me, Sister, Cat”. Through this simple and recognisable sketch, the play tugs on the heartstrings and brings into sharp focus the reality of the fact that (in the words of Alexa) “we are [all] the same”.

The Boy at the Back of the Class is an energetic, emotive and imaginative adaptation that deserves to be seen by all ages.

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Nancy Brie

The Boy at the Back of The Class plays at the Rose Theatre Kingston until 22 February before touring, with further information here.