In Rehearsals
It’s tough being fifteen, right?
Imagine what happens when your raging teenage hormones are further complicated by the sudden death of your mother and the reappearance of your absent father.
Based on Ollie Maddigan’s real life story, the olive boy is forced to change schools and move in with a man he barely knows. In a hopeless attempt to stay sane, he decides that the only way to move forward is to pursue the chances of finally getting a real girlfriend.
Like most things in his life, it does not go to plan…
First staged at the Hope Theatre in 2021, the show quickly gained attention at the Camden Fringe due to its inspiring message. After a sell-out Edinburgh Fringe run and a 6-week national tour, The Olive Boy launches at Southwark Playhouse Borough with this hilarious yet heartfelt comedy based on real life experience.
“Fantastic… Ollie Maddigan is one to watch” Steve Pemberton (‘The League of Gentlemen’, ‘Inside No. 9’)
“Told with unguarded love and wicked wit” The Guardian
“A tour de force” Londontheatre1
“Remarkably profound” Broadway World
“Outrageously funny yet heartbreaking” Everything Theatre
★★★★ The Guardian | ★★★★★ Everything Theatre | ★★★★★ Pink Prince Theatre | ★★★★★ London Theatre 1 | ★★★★★ London Theatre Reviews | ★★★★★ North West End | ★★★★★ Reviews Gate | ★★★★★ Curtain Call Reviews | ★★★★★ Operation Live Theatre | ★★★★★ My View From The Stalls | ★★★★★ Emma Elms Reviews | ★★★★★ The Deskbound Dramatic | ★★★★★ Letters To July | ★★★★★ Theatre Audience Podcast | ★★★★★ The Recs | ★★★★★ Susans Bookshelves | ★★★★★ View From The Gods | ★★★★★ Theatre Audience Podcast | ★★★★½ Reviews Hub | ★★★★½ Step Behind The Stage | ★★★★ Broadway World | ★★★★ All That Dazzles | ★★★★ Theatreland Adventures | ★★★★ The Spy In The Stalls | ★★★★ The Revieweer
Previous Winner of the OffWestEnd Award for Creation, 2025
Access Performances
Captioned Performance: Thursday 29 January, 7.30pm
Details
Theatre: The Little
Monday – Saturday: 7.30pm
Tuesday & Saturday: 3pm
Running Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
No interval and no re-entry.
We strongly advise that you arrive early and take your seats in advance of the start time as there is a no latecomers policy.
This production includes strobe lighting and flashing images throughout, strong language, vomiting, and loud noises. There are references to death, mental illness, grief, pornographic content, drugs and sexism. Death and sexism is also depicted on stage.
Recommended for ages 14+.
Please contact us if you require any further information about content guidance.
Captioned Performance: Thursday 29 January, 7.30pm
Wednesday 14 January – Q&A with writer and director.
Thursday 22 January – Q&A with panellists Meg Bellamy (‘The Crown’ (Netflix)), Assa Kanoute (‘Boarders’ (BBC 3)) and John McCrea (‘Everybody’s Talking About Jamie’ (Apollo Theatre, London), ‘Cruella’ (Disney)). Discussion around how creative expression can positively affect young men.
Free entry with a ticket to that evening’s performance.
Meet the Olive Boy
Music: Massobeats – honey jam
Videography: John Biltcliffe
Teaser Trailer
Photography
Production Photos
Photography by John Blitcliffe.
Photography
Previous Production Shots
Photography by Adam Jefferys
Post Show Events
This post show event will be held after the evening (7.30pm) performance. Entry is free with a ticket to the same day’s evening performance.
Thursday 22 January – Q&A with other creatives and ‘famous faces’. Looking at the value of the arts, the strength of real-life narratives, and how creative expression can positively affect young men.
Panellists: Meg Bellamy (‘The Crown’ (Netflix)), Assa Kanoute (‘Boarders’ (BBC 3)) and John McCrea (‘Everybody’s Talking About Jamie’ (Apollo Theatre, London), ‘Cruella’ (Disney)).
The Company
