A PLAY said to be the most sexually explicit ever staged in the UK, is raising temperatures across Chiswick.

XXX' by Spanish company La Fura Dels Baus, based on the Marquis De Sade's Philosophy in the Bedroom' features naked actors simulating sex acts and encouraging audience participation, while video screens show more of the same.

It's beyond hardcore'' claim the 400 seat Riverside Studios where the show has been playing to packed houses, but is it a XXX too far?

The Times went out on the High Road to see where YOU would draw the line

You might as well throw your clothes off on the High Road and say come on lads!'' said Norma O'Keeffee, 72, who lives opposite Cavendish School.

She wasn't sure she'd heard of the play: It's the naughty one isn't it?'' but was concerned about bad language: If the playwright has to resort to that, it's one way they can get famous isn't it? It might just be the age I am. I'm sure I'll be shot down in flames.''

Mandy Davis, a mother from Chiswick, felt it was a matter of personal opinion: It's hard to say. If they put it on after a certain time at night it's fine, but I wouldn't let my daughter see it.

If it's just nudity it's quite normal but I don't want it shoved in my face. You make up your own mind.''

Helen Orton from Chiswick Village felt you should let it all hang out: I think if you start limiting things like that you go back to the Restoration period.

It stifles creativity, brings us back to a Victorian age. If it's a taboo subject it almost makes it more perverse. If you hide things away they can rot like apples, it's much better to have them out in the open.

You have to let these things go, you have to let people express themselves, you don't want to be more prudish. We need an open frame of mind.''

Ben Lazkin, 20, works at McDonalds on the High Road, and lives in Hounslow: On the TV it's a good thing for the people. I come from Iraq and my heart is open. It's not a problem. Some people say for their kids it's wrong. When a kid gets over 20 he can do what he wants.

My favourite films are war games, shooting and 007, that kind of film.

I treat my brothers like my children. I just tell them this is wrong, this is right.''

Coralie Tomlinson, 32, from Chiswick, felt the show went too far: Nudity you can see in various forms, but I would say the subject matter is not something appropriate for public viewing.

It's a private act. It doesn't need to be shown to us. My understanding is the audience is encouraged to make suggestions.''

She said she'd be happy to see the end of XXX: I don't think there should be licences given out for this kind of show.''

Duncan Wisbey, 32, from Hartington Road, had no problems with the subject of the show: Something that interests me is quite often on shows like Kilroy, they say something is bad, because it encourages sexual thoughts, but what's wrong with that? If sex didn't exist then neither would we. We should celebrate it, it's one of the most enjoyable things we can do.

If you don't want to go, you don't have to, if it frightens you or worries you, don't go.''

He wouldn't be buying a ticket though: I would be a bit embarrassed. I'd happily sit and watch but there's always the fear they may try and get you involved. But then if you do you get your money's worth.''

Mark Walsh, 27, from Staveley Gardens was concerned about the artistic nature of the show: I suppose some people might say More of the same please and why just pretend?'

May 1, 2003 16:00