Shopping and Fucking

Synopsis

London, 1990s

Mark has just returned from rehab, aiming to leave behind his drug addiction and the chaotic lifestyle that accompanied it. In Shopping and Fucking by Mark Ravenhill, Mark attempts to regain control over his life, but finds himself drawn back into a web of consumerism, sex, and drugs. Alongside his partners, Robbie and Lulu, Mark’s journey reveals a bleak and satirical view of a generation lost to the superficialities of modern life.

The play starkly portrays the intertwining of commerce and personal relationships, presenting a world where shopping is sexy, and fucking is transactional. Shopping and Fucking is a seminal work of the 1990s in-yer-face theatre movement, known for its raw and provocative content. Ravenhill’s characters navigate a landscape of exploitation and desperation, including the chilling figure of Brian, who represents the darker side of consumer culture, and Gary, a vulnerable young man caught in the cycle of abuse and commodification.

Shopping and Fucking delves into themes of consumerism, moral decay, and the commodification of human relationships. Ravenhill’s use of dark humour and brutal realism forces the audience to confront uncomfortable truths about the society we live in. The play’s episodic structure and vivid, often shocking scenes create an intense and immersive experience.