REVIEW: The Boy at the Back of the Class
By Gary Murray, volunteer theatre reviewer
The Boy at the Back of the Class is based on the novel of the same name by Onjali Q. Rauf, here adapted for the stage by Nick Ahad.
This is a play about what it feels like to be ‘other’, to be misunderstood, to be stereotyped. And about openness and friendship and courage.
Ahmet has had to flee his homeland of war-torn Syria and, via a tragic crossing, has made it to England. His new class of Year 5 children (aged between nine and ten) initially find him intriguing – he doesn’t speak English for one thing.
Free of the prejudice and fear of adults, they listen to his story and discover the human being beneath the label, one lemon sherbet at a time!
On realising that his parents are missing they set out to try to re-unite them with Ahmet, with the help of someone unexpected…
This is a lovely production. Full of energy and warmth, it celebrates humanity, kindness and courage.
The class is played with great energy by adult actors. Particular praise to Sasha Desouza-Willock playing Alexa. There’s a touching moment when she finds a pomegranate and presents it to Ahmet to make him feel welcome. She also has a lot of narration duties.
In fact, there’s good work from all of the cast: not least Serkan Avlik as Ahmet. But this is an ensemble piece and it maintains the energy throughout – not an easy task.
The cast is aided by designer Lily Arnold’s set. It resembles gym climbing bars but can also become various gates and walls. There’s also some clever lighting design from Ryan Day, not least the use of red, white and blue as a motif.
Among the noise and cynicism of modern life this play speaks to the power of listening, and that asylum seekers are human beings with a story to tell. It takes the open-mindedness of children, showing more humanity and wisdom and courage than many adults can manage, to reunite a family.
Amid the greyness and horror, it feels like the sun coming out and warmth on your face.
:: The Boy at the Back of the Class runs at the Devonshire Park Theatre until Saturday, 28 March. Tickets here
:: Gary Murray was a professional actor for 14 years in theatre, radio, TV and even a couple of operas. After many years on the tech side of the ticketing industry, he now works at Tech Resort and is a volunteer reviewer for Eastbourne Reporter
