One Day star Ambika Mod puts on an astonishing performance in Porn Play as reviewed by GEORGINA BROWN

by

Porn Play (Royal Court Theatre, London)

Verdict: Paradise lost 

Rating (4 STARS)

I was completely captivated by Sophia Chitin-Leuner’s new play – it really pushes boundaries. What struck me immediately was its daring sense of humor, even while tackling such a difficult subject. The experience starts before the play even begins; we were all given shoe covers so we could walk onto this incredibly soft, beige seating area without making a mess. It immediately felt…different, and set the stage for something truly unsettling and thought-provoking.

The Royal Court’s Upstairs space has been redesigned to feel like the shape of a human body, gently sloping down to a hollow, empty center. The effect is intentionally evocative of flesh and femininity.

The space transforms into different scenes – a bedroom, a doctor’s office, or a workplace – as props like clothes, laptops, bedding, and even a comically long roll of medical paper are revealed from hidden spots.

Josie Rourke’s production is thoughtfully subtle and hints at deeper meanings, and at its heart is Ambika Mod, who many will recognize as Emma from the series One Day.

She portrays Ani, a highly intelligent and well-spoken scholar specializing in the works of John Milton, the author of Paradise Lost. The scene shows her celebrating a recent award with her partner, sharing a delicious apple pie – a fitting dessert given her area of expertise.

Liam (Will Close) expresses his frustration in bed, telling his partner she seems more focused on her own pleasure and watching violent pornography than on connecting with him.

I’ve been working with clients for years, and this pattern is sadly familiar. She says it helps her relax, that it’s easier than dealing with real life, and even that it’s not truly affecting her. But deep down, she knows something isn’t right. It started as a harmless experiment, a little escape, but it’s spiraled into a compulsion she can’t control. It’s like any addiction, really. Despite the fallout – the hurt feelings when her dad finds out, the strain on her friendship – and the clear damage it’s doing to her, both physically and emotionally, she just can’t stop.

Ani struggles to be present and engaged in her surroundings. She compulsively checks her phone, even in very public or unsuitable situations, often going to uncomfortable lengths to reach it.

Much worse, she wants to do this stuff — and have it done to her.

The scene depicts a disturbing situation where a woman asks a younger male student to restrain her, blindfold her, and then allows him complete control over her actions.

He reaches for his metal bike lock.

Mod’s performance is incredible. She starts off lively, bright, and full of life, but gradually transforms into someone deeply troubled, with a vacant look and a sense of helplessness.

Important, uncomfortable theatre, brilliantly shining light into a very dark place.

Porn Play runs Upstairs at the Royal Court until December 13.

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2025-11-14 19:50