Part of Peckham Fringe this month, Meet The Kids is written, directed and produced by Desiri Okobia. She also appears in the show.
Meet the Kids is recommended for audiences aged 12 and above due to its mature themes around peer pressure, identity, safeguarding, and resilience. While there is no extreme language, the play explores grooming, exploitation, and gang influence in a way that requires emotional maturity.
“In this powerful coming-of-age drama, four teenagers – a rapper, a poet, a vulnerable girl, and an overachiever -struggle to reclaim their voices in a world that tries to silence them.
Quincy, an aspiring rapper, is torn between loyalty to his friends and his convictions. Angelique, a high-achiever, battles self-doubt and societal expectations. Billie-Jo, consumed by grief, finds solace in poetry. Meanwhile, Jessica, seeking belonging, is trapped in the manipulative grip of an older man.
As their lives intertwine, they face a choice – remain silent or speak their truth and fight for their futures.”
Where: Theatre Peckham
When: 23-24 May
Ticket link: https://www.theatrepeckham.co.uk/show/meet-the-kids/
Desiri tells us more about this important new production.
Can you tell us a bit about your new show?
Yes – Meet the Kids is a powerful coming-of-age drama with rapping, poetry, movement and heart. It’s fresh and exciting, taking us deep into the mind of Gen Z – a world that only they truly understand.
The story centres around four teenagers: a rapper, a poet, a vulnerable girl, and a high achiever. When their lives intertwine, they impact each other in profound ways – it’s about friendship, identity, and reclaiming your voice.
Do you enjoy fringe festivals? What’s great about Peckham?
I do enjoy fringe festivals – I love the variety. I’m a bit of a pick-and-mix person, so I enjoy being able to experience different stories, genres and styles. Peckham is special – it’s buzzing with culture, creativity and authenticity.
You walk down the road and see a Caribbean takeaway next to an African grocer, then pass a British café. It’s such a multicultural hub, and it’s the heart of South London – I love it.
Meet the Kids is a coming-of-age drama about teenagers who don’t quite fit. Where did the idea come from?
The idea was born out of my experience as a secondary school teacher. I’ve worked in various South London schools and spent a lot of time listening to teenagers – hearing their stories, struggles and strengths.
I wanted to create something that reflected their world, something where they could see themselves. Initially, I had one character, Angelique, who I related to most.
But as the story developed, more characters kept coming , so I called it Meet the Kids. I also wanted adults – parents, teachers, the wider community – to see the world through these young people’s eyes.
What else is in the pipeline after these shows?
Let’s just say… things are already cooking. Meet the Kids is the launch, but it’s just the beginning. There are exciting plans ahead – more storytelling, more stages, more screens. Watch this space.
Sell us your show in three words!
Raw. Youthful. Unmissable.