I have just witnessed something extraordinary. The first major London production in more than 25 years of Edward Bond’s 1965 highly controversial play at The Lyric Theatre in Hammersmith. It is rare to sit in a packed theatre and be able to describe the effect as literally “breathtaking” in the true sense of the word. Not only were there audible gasps from the audience at times, but even loud shouts of “NO” and people on the edge of their seats, horrified and barely able to even look at what they were seeing.
The play is still hugely relevant today and seemed frighteningly topical in many ways. It examines and puts on stark display, a broken dislocated British society where gratuitous gang violence, peer pressure, disillusionment and the pack mentality rule.
The set is incredibly stark and simple, the acting superb and the timing exquisite. The detail. The analysis. There is even dark humour to be found in amongst the sorrow. We are invited to witness how a disenfranchised society deals with isolation, abandonment, loss, rejection and grief and it is presented to us in the most raw of forms.
In amongst all the horror are some brilliant characters – Len, the unwitting glue between the characters (played brilliantly by Morgan Watkins – who is tall and gorgeous and therefore reminds me of a cleverer version of Lennie Small from “Mice and Men”) persistently attempts to connect to those who seem almost too dysfunctional to care, he initially appears to be immensely weak and is nearly broken, but as time goes on he develops an appealing consistency and strength. The older parents Mary and Fred, played by Susan Brown (who has a fantastic Mrs Robinson moment) and Michael Feast are brilliant in their non verbal dances of synchronised avoidance and unspoken layer upon layer of misery and Lia Saville who plays Pam is extraordinary in exuding vulnerability.
I don’t want to give too much away. Just go and see it. Prepare to be shocked. It is disturbing and challenging and very thought provoking. Despite it being THREE HOURS long, I have never been more absorbed by a play before in my life. Grating noises and painful silences are juxtaposed. There is either far too much disturbing background noise (and trust me I mean disturbing) or lengthy, awkward silences. Both disarm you.
It is ClockWork Orange meets a Mike Leigh film meets John Osbourne’s “Look Back In Anger” kitchen sink drama full of rage, born out of frustration and pain. Sean Holmes, the Creative Director has every right to be very proud to have persuaded the writer Edward Bond to agree to put on a play that understandably caused an extraordinary uproar when it was first performed. I am quite sure it was exactly the way he wanted it to be done. However, if anybody has some thoughts on what exactly the title means then I’d really love to hear from you – “SAVED”….from what? It didn’t feel to me like the story of possible redemption – from themselves? From feelings?
Shiny
October 14, 2011I cannot, ever, complain about a lack of “cultural” things to do – plays, music, dancing – here on the tip of Africa BUT, when I read something like this, I do long for the theatre of London… Sounds amazing. Maybe they’ll bring it here next… x
Family Affairs
October 15, 2011you would have loved it – so clever – but then again, I’m feeling the need to come over and steep myself in all things African! Lx
Bush Mummy
October 15, 2011OOh we live really near the Lyric.. I’m going to go and book tickets. Although 3 hours is a bit scary.. Thanks for the tip.
BM x
Family Affairs
October 15, 2011I know, but it did go really fast – so engaging x
SDN
October 29, 2011Your review is interesting to say the least, I was excited to see the revival of ‘Saved’ at the Lyric but when leaving I felt very different, I did not feel that it had anything to offer to a modern day society, the text by Bond is of course brilliant and really is a modern day classic but the Lyrics take on this did not make it seem like a master piece. I felt the pace was far to slow and that distracted both the audience and actors from the message and I found myself looking around the auditorium praying for the end of the production. Don’t get me wrong it is theatrical history in the making and If you want to see it please don’t let me put you off I would just add that I did not feel like I could identify with this play as it was stuck in the 60’s.
Family Affairs
October 29, 2011Thanks for your opinion Lx
Critic Analysis
November 6, 2011The reviewer has made a mistake – the Older Couple are Mary and HARRY, not Fred. He is the friend of Len’s who chooses years behind bars for a crime he played only a small part in.
Family Affairs
November 6, 2011Oh. Sorry about that, but well spotted Lx