Shopping & Fucking, the controversial Mark Ravenhill play, will play at the du Maurier Theatre Centre for a limited run through Feb. 20. The drama graphically depicts the self-defeating lifestyles of London's lost youth. Drugs and sex are interchangeable commodities in a world where sexual orientation is not an issue. Despite the controversial street slang title, Ravenhill's drama made the leap from sensational fringe theatre success to critical acclaim and box office bonanza in London's mainstream West End, before going onto a national tour and a New York production last year.

This Canadian premiere, produced by Crow's Theatre, one of Toronto's leading alternative theatre companies and directed by founding artistic director Jim Millan, received mixed reviews from the city's mainstream press, with the influential weekly print media still to deliver their verdicts.

The cast includes Damien Atkins who, just prior to this performance, received critical and public raves for his Toronto stage debut in Miss Chatelaine, his seasoned solo outing; Alex Poch-Goldin (whose versatility is familiar to local audiences); Matthew MacFadzean (recent National Theatre School graduate making his Toronto stage debut); well-known Canadian film and TV actress Natalie Radford ( in her professional stage debut); and Julian Richings (multi-Dora Award winner, also often appearing in major roles in Canadian-made feature films and Canadian TV series, including the recent "War of The Worlds").

The du Maurier Theatre is located at Harbourfront, 231 Queen's Quay West. Performances scheduled to Feb. 20, playing Tuesdays - Saturdays at 8 PM, Sundays at 3 PM. Tickets: $15-$30. Call (416) 973-4000 for information.

-- Alan Raeburn,
Canadian Correspondent