The Olive Boy

⭐ For fans of FLEABAG (BBC) Sex Education (Netflix) and Heart Stopper (Netflix)

⭐ Based on Ollie Maddigan’s real life story, The Olive Boy is a crude, but compelling coming of age comedy written and performed by Ollie Maddigan himself…

⭐ Winner: Derek Awards – Best Performer Edinburgh Fringe 2022

“Fantastic! Ollie Madigan is one to watch”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Steve Pemberton: The League of Gentlemen, Inside No.9

⭐ The Story: You’re 15 years old, struggling through school and coming to terms with the early stages of adolescence. Things are tricky when you’re a teenager. You get dealt yet another devastating blow. But this time, it’s worse. Your mum’s passed away suddenly, and you’ve now got to move in with your, until that point, absent father. Now what? In a hopeless attempt to stay sane, you decide to pursue a girlfriend, but, shock, that doesn’t go to plan either. Surrounded by a great deal of olives, come on the journey of grief and hope through early adulthood.

Initially introduced at the Hope Theatre in 2021, the show quickly gained attention during its three-night run as part of the Camden Fringe and then in 2022 as part of its month-long sell out run at Edinburgh Fringe.

“A reminder of how few frills is needed when a true talent commands the stage…A tour de force of ecstasy, emotion and grief” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Broadway Baby

⭐ Themes
• Love and Relationships: The play explores the various facets of love and relationships, from awkward sexual encounters with a first love to family life and the challenges and complexities that arise within them.

• Grief: How do you cope with the loss of a loved one? Can you? Is there a coping mechanism that helps fill a sudden void in your life?

• Identity and Self-Discovery: The Olive Boy delves into the search for identity and the profound transformations that individuals undergo as they navigate life’s challenges and revelations.

• Society and Expectations: The production addresses societal norms and expectations, shedding light on the impact these pressures have on individuals and their choices.

⭐ Visual Elements:
While the play’s core strength lies in its storytelling and performance, it also incorporates visually striking elements through the use of projections. These visuals serve as a backdrop that enhances the emotional impact of the narrative.