Bold New Drama Explores Taboo Subject of Porn Addiction
The Royal Court Theatre presents one of its most daring productions this season with Sophie Chetin-Leuner's "Porn Play", featuring an extraordinary central performance from Ambika Mod as a woman grappling with an addiction to violent pornography. Running from 14 November to 13 December 2025, this provocative new work has already generated significant buzz for its unflinching approach to a rarely discussed subject.
A Compelling Performance and Striking Production
Ambika Mod delivers what critics are calling a fearless performance as Ani, a successful English lecturer specialising in Milton whose life begins to unravel due to her compulsive consumption of violent porn. The production, directed by Josie Rourke, opens with deceptive lightness as we meet Ani celebrating a professional award with her soon-to-be ex-partner Liam, played by Will Close.
The early scenes establish Ani's defence of her habits with sharp, amusing dialogue that sees her comparing masturbation to having a glass of wine after work and deftly turning the conversation back on Liam's concerns. However, the play gradually reveals the serious toll of her addiction as it begins to poison her relationships and take a physical toll on her wellbeing.
The production features a remarkable set design by Yimei Zhao that transforms the Royal Court's Upstairs theatre into a giant flesh-coloured sofa with a central opening evocative of a vaginal passage. Actors interact creatively with this unconventional setting, pulling props from the fleshy fabric while Lizzy Connolly appears as a spirit of desire in gauzy dresses, assisting with scene transitions.
From Playful to Profound: The Descent into Addiction
Despite the production containing no actual pornography or nudity, Mod's commitment to the role is particularly brave given the amount of simulated masturbation required. Her performance becomes increasingly haunted and powerful as Ani's life spirals out of control through a series of vignette-like scenes.
As the narrative progresses, the production takes an increasingly trippy and impressionistic turn, blurring the lines between reality and Ani's deteriorating mental state. This stylistic choice allows the play to explore her descent without becoming overly earnest, though some critics question whether the extreme portrayal serves as effective commentary on real-world porn addiction.
The play draws clever parallels to Milton's Paradise Lost, suggesting Ani's journey mirrors Eve's fall from grace. However, some viewers might find that these literary allusions and conceptual flourishes occasionally distract from the core subject matter of addiction.
Porn Play runs for 1 hour and 40 minutes without an interval at the Royal Court Theatre in Sloane Square. Tickets range from £15 to £30, representing excellent value for such a thought-provoking and professionally executed production.
While the subject matter is undoubtedly challenging, this groundbreaking work represents exactly the kind of bold, contemporary storytelling that has made the Royal Court one of London's most important theatrical venues. It's a singular work that's both enjoyable and distressing in equal measure, ultimately delivering a powerful message about how any addiction can destroy a life.
