Event Information
From the award-winning author of ‘The Boy At The Back Of The Class’, Onjali Raúf, ‘The Hero Next Door’ is a celebration of difference and working together to do the right thing.
This new play, based on real insight from children across the UK, was developed during an extensive research as groups of children helped shape the plot and the characters. The result is a ground-breaking new production created especially for 7 – 10 year olds.
The play explores the themes of friendship, empathy, and the notions of what it means to be an ‘outsider’. It centres on Musa, who happens to be a refugee; Haley, an autistic young girl who adores frogs; and a would-be bully by the name of Melanie. This unlikely trio come together to save an elderly neighbour from a con artist posing as a carer, with thrilling and hilarious results.
We are now delighted to confirm that Onjali Q Rauf, writer of The Hero Next Door, award-winning author of The Boy At The Back Of The Class and activist will be joining us at MAC to sign books and meet audiences AFTER the 5pm performance of The Hero Next Door as part of our Refugee Week events.
The Hero Next Door is a multi-layered production that uses film, animation, music and physical theatre to make it accessible to all.
Access a free, online resource for parents and teachers full of information, work sheets, and activities as a follow-up to the The Hero Next Door - click here.
Feedback from childrenI love this story, it was funny and dramatic and has lots of meaning.
Feedback from childrenThis play will make people understand refugee’s more and not say bad things about them.
ParentA hugely important and poignant issue which was presented and portrayed so well! Absolutely phenomenal!
ParentThank-you, one of the best shows we’ve seen – and we’ve seen a lot a LOT of children’s theatre
Massive congrats! Incredible show, lots of content and depth, funny end, understandable and engaging
Feedback from teachersI really enjoyed it and shed a little tear. It’s perfect for their age-group, it doesn’t shy away from the difficult issues in life, but it’s also funny, thought provoking and uplifting. Well done to Onjali and Face Front.
Danny Braverman FRSA (senior Tutor at Goldsmiths University)There are many elements of The Hero Next Door that will bring your audience together. The humour is very engaging, and the adventure element could be thrilling. The inventive use of projection also promises to add some really nice dynamics.
About Face Front Inclusive Theatre
As a leading inclusive theatre company, Face Front has been proud to assemble a diverse collective of cast and creatives, including disabled, non-disabled and culturally diverse actors. They always work inclusively, using the transformational power of theatre in order to challenge inequality and improve emotional wellbeing, and are highly regarded for their educational theatre for children.