The Boy at the Back of the Class: A Story Wales Needs Right Now

When The Boy at the Back of the Class arrives at the New Theatre, Cardiff, it brings with it one of the most important family stories of the decade. Based on Onjali Q. Raúf’s award‑winning novel, the production follows Ahmet, a young Syrian refugee who joins a UK classroom after fleeing war and being separated from his parents. What unfolds is a moving, funny and deeply human story about friendship, prejudice, and the power of kindness.

The stage adaptation has been touring the UK since early February, bringing its message to audiences of all ages — particularly school groups, who have responded with remarkable enthusiasm. As cast member Evie explains, “It’s a really special play… particularly in this political climate, it’s a message that should be shouted from the rooftops.”

I sat down with Evie to talk about the tour, the joy and challenge of playing five different characters, and why this story resonates so strongly with young audiences today.

Interview with Evie

Edited for Clarity with the Full Audio Available at the Bottom of this Page

Q: Congratulations on joining The Boy at the Back of the Class. How are you feeling heading into the tour?

Evie: Fantastic. We actually started rehearsals in January and opened our first location at the beginning of February, so we’ve been touring for a little bit now. It’s been the most fun ever.

Q: Touring can be relentless. Do you ever get a day off?

Evie: We normally get about one day between tour stops, sometimes two if we’re lucky. It can be grueling, especially with the travelling — we’re going from one end of the UK to the other. But I love my job, so I wouldn’t do this schedule for anything else. The show makes it worth it.

Q: You grew up in Wales, right? How has that shaped you as an actor?

Evie: Yes — I went to school in Carmarthen and grew up in a village just outside it. I was born in Stoke‑on‑Trent, but when we left, that was it; I haven’t been back. All my formative years were in Wales. I even went to college in Swansea to study performing arts. Wales has a really special place in my heart.

Q: What was your first reaction when you read the script?

Evie: Honestly? “Oh my gosh, please let me get this part.” The story is fantastic, the characters are amazing, and the message is incredibly important. I also get to play about five roles, which is such a special track — that doesn’t always happen. When I first read it, I just thought, this is wonderful. And then I got it!

Q: For anyone unfamiliar with the story, can you give a quick overview?

Evie: It’s about a Syrian refugee called Ahmet who flees the war and becomes separated from his parents. He joins a new school in the UK, where he makes a wonderful group of friends but also faces racism and prejudice. His new friends help him try to find his mum and dad. It’s a really special play and book, and the message feels vital right now.

Q: Is there a moment in the show that resonates most with you?

Evie: There’s a scene where the children overhear two adults being racist about Ahmet. I play one of those adults. It’s an important moment because children hear things — they copy behaviours. Hate spreads from adults to children, and children to children. It’s a powerful reminder of how easily prejudice is learned.

Q: You mentioned you play five characters. Do you have a favourite?

Evie: Two! One is Clarissa, a little girl in the maths class who’s a bit like Veruca Salt — spoilt, sour, attention‑seeking. She’s bratty, but she’s also a child who doesn’t know any better, so exploring her empathy has been fun.

The other is an old male teacher. I wear a little moustache, a big belly, and a cape that looks like a vampire cape. He’s a bigoted, nasty man — the total opposite of Clarissa. Playing both ends of the spectrum is such fun.

Q: What’s the ensemble like to work with?

Evie: We’re so lucky. Everyone is incredibly talented. Sometimes when I’m playing an adult and interacting with my castmates, I forget they’re grown‑ups because they play children so convincingly. It’s a supportive, fantastic group.

Q: Any chaotic or funny rehearsal moments?

Evie: We only had two weeks to rehearse — normally you’d have four — so it was quite chaotic. But it added to the childlike energy of the show. There’s a moment involving a pomegranate where my castmate added the line “And it’s out of date,” which always makes everyone laugh. It wasn’t in the script, but it stuck.

Q: What excites you most about performing for young audiences?

Evie: The impact. We get a lot of school groups, and the reactions have been amazing. A school in Cornwall sent us a letter about kindness and compassion, and they made us little clay “buddies” to help us be brave on stage. Moments like that show the story is making its mark.

Q: You’re also a writer. Has this production influenced your creative work?

Evie: Definitely. I’m part of a production company with friends, and we write short films. We actually wrote one during this tour about living with grief. That theme of empathy — you never know what someone is carrying — runs through Boy at the Back of the Class and my own work.

Q: What’s next for you after this tour?

Evie: As soon as we finish, we’re releasing the film we made last year, The Taste of Salt, and sending it to festivals. Then I’m going on another tour in the summer with a play called Wilder, written by friends from drama school. We’re doing Camden Fringe, then Manchester, then performing in Lancaster Castle. Lots of exciting things!

Q: Finally, if Clarissa could give the audience one piece of advice before seeing the show, what would it be?

Evie: “Bring your mum and dad. Bring your auntie, bring your uncle.” It’s a family show aimed at children, but adults will enjoy it too. Everyone can take something from it and leave feeling “a bit sparklier.”

See the Show

The Boy at the Back of the Class arrives at New Theatre Cardiff soon, bringing its powerful message of empathy, courage and friendship to Welsh audiences.

To book tickets, visit the New Theatre’s official website or contact the box office directly. This is a production that speaks to children, families and adults alike — and one that feels especially urgent in the world we’re living in.