Rose Theatre and Children's Theatre Partnership have today announced full casting and further creative team for the 2026 return and tour of the joyous adaptation of Onjali Q. Raúf's multi award-winning children's book The Boy at the Back of the Class, adapted for the stage by Nick Ahad and directed by Monique Touko.

The Boy at the Back of the Class opens at the Rose Theatre on 11 February 2026, with previews from 6 February, and then embarks on a UK tour with Children's Theatre Partnership until May.

Rose Theatre and Children's Theatre Partnership have today announced full casting and further creative team for the 2026 return and tour of the stage adaptation of Onjali Q. Raúf's children's book 'The Boy at the Back of the Class' (Image supplied)

Among the cast are Serkan Avlik (Ahmet), Sasha Desouza-Willock (Alexa), Abdul-Malik Janneh (Michael), Petra Joan-Athene (Josie), Max Jordan (Brendan the Bully), Yash Kutty (Swing), Natasha Lewis (Mrs Khan / Mum), Eleanor Patel (Mrs Sanders / Shop Customer / Swing), Fedrat Sadat (Mr Musa / Police Officer / Swing), Jonny Warr (Tom), and Evie Weldon (Clarissa).

The full creative team includes Director Monique Touko, Co-Revival Director Amy Crighton, Set and Costume Designer Lily Arnold, Lighting Designer Ryan Day, Sound Designer and Composition Giles Thomas, Movement Director Kloé Dean, Fight Director Maisie Carter, Casting Director Sophie Parrott CDG, Voice & Dialect Coach Salvatore Sorce, Associate Lighting Designer Charly Dunford, Associate  Sound Designer Joe Dines, Costume Supervisor Natalia Alvarez, and Props Supervisor Eve Hawes.

Based on the novel by Onjali Q. Raúf, adapted by Nick Ahad, and directed by Monique Touko, The Boy at the Back of the Class is a timely, humorous and heart-warming story about the power of kindness, engaging children and their families in discussions around refugee rights.

The play's synopsis says: "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 (just like me), 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.

"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."

Tickets are on sale now and can be booked via the Rose's website here.