Capping Q&A at Courtyard Theatre: Maddy Olaoye and Cast Discuss the Play

Following a performance of Capping at the Courtyard Theatre, writer-director Maddy Olaoye joins cast members Aisha Jalloh, Fawas Arowojobe, KJ Phillip and Maddy Kamleh-Chapman to reflect on the production and the stories that inspired it.

Set in South London, Capping follows four sixth-form friends navigating exam pressure, family expectations and the personal struggles they keep hidden from those around them. As secrets begin to surface, the play explores friendship, identity, vulnerability and the importance of having people willing to listen when life becomes overwhelming.

Recorded after the performance, this Q&A looks beyond the stage to explore how the production was developed, creating authentic young characters and balancing humour with difficult subject matter. Maddy Olaoye discusses drawing on her experience working with young people, while the cast reflect on vulnerability, confidence, accountability and discovering unexpected similarities with their own characters. Together, they consider how theatre can encourage conversations around mental health, safeguarding and the importance of supporting one another through life's most challenging moments.