Review: THE PRUDES, Royal Court

The Royal Court has been one of the most vocal venues in the conversation surrounding power manipulation and control within the industry. Their prolific stance has seen them host events that have invited testimonies of personal experience, and their latest offering in The Prudes takes a look at these issues through the guise of a relationship in crisis.

Jimmy and Jess are trying to save their marriage. To put it lightly, their sex life is not the best. After 14 months of not getting to it, they have a few ideas on how to spice it up. One opts for the traditional means of excitement, but the other is a tad more erotic. As the couple, Jonjo O'Neill and Sophie Russell have a brilliant dynamic together and this two-hander is charged with their electric energy.

It's a quintessential Anthony Neilson offering, in the way it plays with the meta-style form and its overall cringeness. That's not to its detriment at all; you enjoy the hilarity and the drama is a precise probe into the complexities of sexual politics.

Neilson's writing is highly intellectual, and makes a definite impact. Directed by the playwright himself, the production fascinates whilst it sensitively darts around difficult discussions. And in true to form style for the Court, the design contains a few surprises; Fly Davis definitely has a few tricks up her sleeve in her creations.

As we age, how do we keep things exciting in the bedroom? And when society censors sexuality, can we ever be honest and say what our inner urges are? Tackling the #MeToo movement through the male lens, Neilson's production offers something different to the conversation.

And one thing's for sure; love isn't always sexy. It's dangerous and unfamiliar.

The Prudes at Royal Court until 2 June

Photo credit: Manuel Harlan

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