F**king Men by Joe Dipietro is based on Schnitzler’s La Ronde, written in 1897 and first performed in 1920. It provoked an almighty scandal that escalated into anti-Semitic attacks on Schnitzler and a court case where he was accused (but acquitted) of obscenity. The primary text is laughably tame and early productions left the sexual encounters to the audience’s imagination, but the playwright was still labelled a ‘Jewish pornographer’.
La Ronde dared to suggest that sexual desire cuts through class barriers and unwise copulation is a universal human frailty. This is no longer news in 2023 and perhaps Dipietro was chasing the original’s provocative vibes when naming this adaption and filling the stage with rampant, often naked, gay men. Either way, the gambit proved a box office smash. It first opened in 2009 and has seen multiple revivals in its 14-year history, including runs in the United States and at the Edinburgh Fringe.
Like Schnitzler’s original, Dipietro invites us to witness ten people form an unwitting daisy-chain of sperm, lies and saliva with their secret sexual relationships. In this production, a cast of four take on all the roles which include a soldier, escort, porn star and a playwright. Charlie Condue shows impressive range by excelling as a nervy middle-aged nerd being seduced by a randy, stoner student and a grieving, closeted A-list TV star. Derek Mitchell brought the house down as a needy, dramatic playwright. That character proved hilarious, tragic and compulsive to witness.
There’s an abundance of sex and nudity, which is thrilling or awkward, depending on one’s perspective. Intimacy Director Lee Crowley deserves a nod for skilfully orchestrating a bunch of bonking in which all parties seemed chilled and confident. Being naked and simulating anal sex for a live audience is technical and emotional challenge. The bravery and proficiency can be easily overlooked while distracted by bouncing buttocks. The entire crew do an admirable job.
There’s no denying that the chance to ogle hot, young flesh has fuelled the ongoing success of F**king Men. In fact, this pervy quirk is acknowledged by the fact that tickets for the first two rows are considerably more expensive than those further back. If you want to be spitting distance from a swinging scrotum, you pay extra for the privilege. Over stimulated punters will be pleased to note that the Pleasuredrome gay sauna is right next to the theatre.
Dipietro has updated the text for this run, which gives the play a fresh perspective that was entirely necessary to prevent it becoming a period piece. PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), smartphone dating apps and OnlyFans have been added to the landscape, which was entirely different when the play was first produced.
For some, this show might deliver an erotic kick, while others will enjoy the questions it raises around monogamy, honesty and how status affects the power dynamics between sexual partners. The winning formula of this latest incarnation is an impressively talented cast, who deliver a highly entertaining evening. It reflects many aspects of the gay experience, but ultimately shows that anyone is susceptible to the illogical powers of desire.
F**king Men is at Waterloo East Theatre until June 18th – https://www.waterlooeast.co.uk/
Reviewer: Stewart Who?
Reviewed: 26th April 2023
North West End UK Rating: ★★★★