The Boy At The Back Of The Class At Lighthouse Poole Review

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW

Reviewed by Lisa

Based on the book by Onjali Q. Rauf, A Children’s Theatre Partnership and Rose Theatre production bring this story to life. With us living in a world where people are being displaced and needing to seek asylum, the story of a 9 year old boy having to flee Syria is very relevant and we get to see what it would be like to be in his situation, and how other children are often more outraged by this and wanting to help than adults. The story is told from a child’s perspective and uses humour along the way to take us on a journey and leave us thinking about what we can do in our own communities to bring kindness and hope to those we meet to make people feel welcomed.

The opening scene of each half uses a large blue piece of fabric to make waves like the sea, and we are introduced to the main cast in a school setting. The children are played by brilliant actors, all pretending to be 9 years old. They do a great job of this, although it would have been nice to see a younger cast. The scenery is simple but effective, with it looking like a school gym with climbing equipment, which is then moved around with different signs on it to act as a bus, home, and even Buckingham Palace! The children want to help find Ahmet’s parents before the border is shut, and it shows the length children will go to help in such situations – even trying to get a letter to the Queen! The most poignant part for me was where pictures of Ahmet’s story were lit up behind him as he explained his journey to get to England, including his sister tragically dying on the way, and no longer knowing where his parents were and if they were alive. There was a great balance of the seriousness of the story, how friends can help, and laughter along the way. I took my 7 year old son to watch, and he loved it! There were parts he laughed out loud to, as did many others, and other parts that he asked many questions about on the way home, seeing life from a different perspective.

The interval was about 20 minutes long, and there was the option to buy New Forest ice cream within the theatre, or chocolate and drinks in the foyer along with a merchandise stand. The show lasted 2 hours plus the interval. Poole Lighthouse is easy to get to, and there is a multistorey car park right next door which, although tight to get in to, is so convenient. The lighthouse itself has a restaurant and bar and the theatre has tiered seating inside with around 600 seats, so there is a good view from everywhere (plus bumper seats for smaller children to use).

Overall I would definitely recommend this show, especially for children who are over age 7. I think it helps them see how life can be different from their own, inspires them to be more kind and welcoming of others, and gives them a great experience of theatre and moments of laughter to top it all off!

Rating: 4/5
Tickets cost from £15.10 – £27.50
The Boy at the Back of the Class is at Poole Lighthouse from 28th May – 1st June.

https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/event/the-boy-at-the-back-of-the-class/
For more information or to book tickets please go to www.lighthousepoole.co.uk
Theatre address – Lighthouse, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG.