Saved

Synopsis

First staged in 1965 for 'members only' after a license for public performance had been refused by the Lord Chamberlain, Saved remains a highly controversial play for one scene of shocking violence. Despite this, the play continues as one of the most acclaimed works of the 20th Century. Set on a South London estate, the play explores a world where violence and sexual obsession dominate the lives of a young generation - and challenges our view of those 'swinging' sixties. the most unconventional love story ever told.

Our Review:

Theo Bosanquet - 14 October 2011

Let’s get one thing clear. Nearly 50 years on, Saved still has the power to shock. Rarely have I been so aware of a silence in an auditorium as the one that followed the ending of that scene last night.

The scene I refer to is, of course, the scene that blew open the censorship debate 50 years ago, the scene that has defined the play over the years - the scene in which a gang of young men stone a baby to death in a pram.

Seeing it in context for the first time (this is the first major revival of Saved in over 25 years), I found myself transfixed with horror the moment the pram wheeled into view.

But in fact, the most shocking thing about the murder, which takes place toward the end of the first half, is not the act itself but the reactions that follow. Only a couple of direct references are made to it afterwards, and not a single character shows especial remorse or anger about what has happened.

And that is ...

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Latest User Review

tc - 30 October 2011:

really powerful good young cast straightforward direct production...

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