'The Boy at the Back of the Class' by Angela Wybrow

On 22nd February, 2024, I went to see a stage adaptation of the 2018 children's novel, The Boy At The Back of the Class, by Onjali Rauf, at the Rose Theatre in Kingston.

At the start of each Act, the cast performed a brief routine, using movement only, set to music, and I found this very powerful. They used an expanse of blue material, in order to represent the ever moving ocean, and, took it in turns, in pairs, to rush under the billowing fabric, from either side, and reach out to connect in various ways and levels. 

The story follows a class of Year 5 schoolchildren, at a London primary school, and their reactions when the, usually spare, seat, at the back of the class, is suddenly filled by a refugee boy, named Ahmed, played by Farshid Rokey, who has fled the war in Syria. At first, Ahmed, who speaks only Kurdish, is full of fear at his new school, and is silent, as he doesn't talk or understand English. But, as time goes by, he gains in confidence, and begins to grasp the language - opening up, gaining popularity, and, at the same time, discovering that he has something in common with Alexa and her gang: FOOTBALL! 

For the main, the story is narrated by Ahmed's new best friend, Alexa, played by Sasha Desouza-Wilcock, until Ahmed finds his voice. Alexa, along with close friends, Michael, played by Abdul-Malik Janneh, Josie, played by Petra Joan-Athene, and Tom, played by Gordon Millar, are keen, not only to make Ahmed welcome at their school, but, also to help him be reunited with his parents, whose whereabouts is initially unknown. We learn that, very sadly, Ahmed's family is no longer whole, as a result of the boat crossing to England. 

However,  the class bully, Brendan, played by Joe McNamara, along with one of the teachers, Mr Irons, played by Zoe Zak, are both far from pleased at Ahmed's arrival. Their behaviour towards Ahmed is truly shocking, but, thankfully, both get the comeuppance, which they deserve. 

All of the cast, who were playing the children, were very convincing in their roles, and captured the behaviour and mannerisms of energetic 9 year olds perfectly.

Priya Davdra, was kind and caring, as class teacher, Miss Khan, but, also very commanding, and kept her class under control with ease. Priya also doubled up as Alexa's Mum. 

A number of the cast doubled up as other characters, and, by changing their voice and demeanor, they were all very believable and totally different in their additional roles, and were able to demonstrate their skill and versatility as actors.

The production used a very minimalist set - a gymnasium type climbing frame - but, the set was very adaptable, and sections of it were frequently moved around, in order to form various configurations, to help set the scene. The use of simple signs also helped set the scene and location.

The story was a roller-coaster ride of emotions. It was very powerful, touching, thought-provoking, hopeful, and, also humourous. I found it very engaging, and really enjoyed it.