The Olive Boy

A CRUDE, COMPELLING, COMING OF AGE COMEDY.

Based on Ollie Maddigan’s real life story, written and performed by Ollie himself.

After the sudden death of his mother, a grieving yet quintessentially teenage boy is forced to change schools and move in with his, until that point, absent father. In a hopeless attempt to stay sane, he decides that the only way to move forward is to pursue the chances of him finally getting a real girlfriend. Like most things in his life, it does not go to plan.

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 The Edinburgh Fringe.

Developed in collaboration with Shoddy Theatre in 2024 and directed by Mitch Donaldson, before touring across the UK, The Olive Boy received widespread recognition, earning three OFFIE nominations in 2025 and winning Best Creation.

for more information visit the website:

http://theoliveboy.co.uk

Reviews

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Maddigan crafts a delicate balance of humour and sadness, beautifully merging the destructive blows of grief and family strife”
The Student, Review by Rosa Georgiou

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“An engaging, compelling and exceptional story”
Theatreandotherthingslondon

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