Review of The Boy at the Back of the Class at Theatre Royal, Norwich: Charming story of kindness and acceptance from child’s point of view

The Boy at the Back of the Class - Theatre Royal, Norwich

This is a charming story of kindness and acceptance, as seen from a child’s perspective.

It’s based on the award-winning novel by Onjali Q Rauf, and comes from the Children’s Theatre Partnership which has visited Norwich before with some great productions including Swallows and Amazons and Mister Tom.

This production is aimed at children aged eight to 10, and looks at how youngsters learn about refugees from a very sensitive point of view.

Nine-year-old Syrian refugee Ahmet, played by Farshid Rokey, arrives at primary school with no English and fills an empty seat in Year 5.

Four pupils, led by the thoughtful Alexa, beautifully played by Sasha Desouza Willock, befriend him as they wonder and then worry about his past.

There are some great touches here, and a real understanding of how children work - what upsets them, how they interpret problems and how they can get more than a little muddled!

And Alexa is given some great little mannerisms including her nail-biting which adds to the piece’s authenticity.

There’s a clear storyline, plenty of positive messages, lots of laughs, and the show is a great introduction, after panto, to live theatre.

The show continues until Saturday. Visit www.norwichtheatre.org

Review by Sarah Hardy