Review: NYMPHOMANIACS ANONYMOUS, Etcetera Theatre

The Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA) starts with four classic character types, a young guy from London who is caught by his brother with a lot of porn (Joshua Aketse-Entsie), a bohemian woman who is apprehensive about sharing her sexual experiences and is cheating on her partner (Eliza Ammann), a frustrated businessman whose marriage is falling apart (Rick Toynton), and virgin, Nia (Valeria Suaste).

The counsellor Alex, played by Es McLean, tries to guide the group through their struggles with addiction with the motto: “we're not here to judge but to listen”. They are, however, also struggling with the same addiction and lack experience with this type of environment, often leaning back to what they know by “therapising” the members of SAA and gets called out for it.

Despite such intense issues, the play pushes for bold and eccentric characters to contrast with the shame each character feels when speaking on the issues. However, despite some solid moments and interesting dynamics between the group, the writing falls a little flat on delivering scenes with truthfulness.

The writing lacks the structure to hold the group together, hanging solely on the motto as the only pillar. Therefore, the characters don't feel tied to one another and when they eventually fall apart, the stakes are not there.

Joshua Aketse-Entsie and Es McLean offer some solid performances, rooted in the dichotomy of the persona they are trying to be to who they fall back to because of their addiction. The importance of the topics that the writer Valeria Suaste brings to the table are relevant and relatable but remain superficial and cluttered as the play progresses with its message.

A solid effort from the cast with a message that stands firm regarding any addiction despite the problems with execution: we're here to listen, not judge.

*** Three stars

Reviewed by: Beatriz Do O

Nymphomaniacs Anonymous plays at London’s Etcetera Theatre until 24 February, with further information here.