Oli Forsyth’s Such Filthy F*cks delivers an absorbing look at the complexities of porn addiction, shining through well-pitched performances from Alice McCarthy and Olivier Huband.
Such Filthy F*cks follows two young professionals, Luka (McCarthy) and Jules (Huband) both connected due to their addiction to online pornography. This addiction is beginning to affect both their relationships and careers, yet it allows them to form a bond and begin their shared journey to recovery.
The heart of Such Filthy F*cks is the growing relationship between Luka, a pharmaceutical agent, and Jules, a science teacher. Initially starting as one of denial – rooted in fears of judgement, this fiery dynamic grows into one of mutual support and care thanks to sophisticated performances from Huband and McCarthy who both share an engaging natural dramatic chemistry. Career-focussed Luka finds it a release from her high pressure job, whilst Jules views it as the building of a relationship – by paying webcam performers who engage in a sexual performance which he feels he would not be able to physically provide. Forsyth’s script is not afraid to shy away from this touchy subject and the boldness, gravitas and humour he presents in this depiction ensure that Such Filthy F*cks is a realistic, relevant and engaging piece of theatre.
Yet the relationship between Luka and Jules is not an easy one, with Forsyth’s narrative dipping into societal perception of porn addiction and the effect this can have on someone’s recovery. Luka’s cut and dry employer , Jules’ personal faith, and the unhelpful calm words of a therapist all prove to be societal hurdles in the pair’s recovery – something that helps channel the frustration and uphill struggle in overcoming addiction. This can also lead to fractures in the budding relationship between our protagonists exploring how their shared path to recovery can only take them so far.
Such Filthy F*cks is an exciting piece of contemporary theatre which feels fresh and relevant. It discusses a form of addiction that is growing continually more prevalent in society, and does so in an engaging, humorous and confident manner. Forsyth’s writing is intelligent in its exploration of the complexities of addiction, whilst Huband and McCarthy’s electric performances ensure that this is a piece which further emotionally engages.