The Rose Theatre’s acclaimed production The Boy at the Back of the Class has been awarded the Olivier Award for Best Family Show at Sunday’s Olivier Awards with Cunard, held at London’s Royal Albert Hall and hosted by Nick Mohammed.
Marking a significant milestone for Kingston’s Rose Theatre, the win represents the first Olivier Award in the venue’s history, as well as a first for playwright Nick Ahad. The ceremony forms part of the 50th anniversary edition of the Olivier Awards, which celebrates the very best of London’s world-leading theatre industry.
Based on the bestselling novel by Onjali Q. Raúf, the stage adaptation was commissioned by the Rose Theatre and premiered in Kingston upon Thames in February 2024. It later embarked on a UK tour in collaboration with Children’s Theatre Partnership, before being remounted at the Rose earlier this year. The production is currently on its second UK tour, which continues until late May, and has now been seen by more than 100,000 audiences since its premiere.
The creative team, including Rose Theatre Artistic Director Christopher Haydon and Executive Producer David Sloan, attended the ceremony alongside author Onjali Q. Raúf, director Monique Touko, and co-revival director Amy Crighton.
Following the win, Haydon delivered an acceptance speech on behalf of Nick Ahad, thanking Raúf for the original work and acknowledging the production’s ongoing success on tour. Ahad’s own speech, read by Raúf, highlighted the collaborative effort behind the adaptation and reflected on the story’s central themes of refuge, belonging, and compassion.
The production continues its extensive UK tour following a sold-out run at the Southbank Centre. Upcoming performances include dates at The Lowry in Salford until 18 April, Hall for Cornwall in Truro from 28 April to 2 May, Blackpool Grand Theatre from 5–9 May, Cardiff New Theatre from 12–16 May, and the Alhambra Theatre in Bradford from 19–23 May 2026.
Told through the perspective of children, The Boy at the Back of the Class follows Ahmet, a quiet new pupil who has fled a war-torn country, and the imaginative plan his classmates develop to help him reunite with his family. Balancing humour with emotional depth, the story explores friendship, kindness, and the importance of empathy in a divided world.
With its continued tour success and prestigious award recognition, the production further cements the Rose Theatre’s growing reputation for impactful, family-focused storytelling on a national stage.
Watch the Award Ceremony here
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