Salome
09 October 2025
Theatre Royal Haymarket
4.0 out of 5.0 stars
The Gesher Theatre company just finished it’s short run of Oscar Wilde’s Salome at the Theatre Haymarket Royal. The limits two week run was surrounded by controversy, though this time not due to the salacious, violent nature of the play (it was banned in Britain for almost 40 years before its first staging in 1931), but rather due to the company putting in on being from and directly supported by Israel. In this review, I will focus solely on the play staged at the theatre, in the strong belief that art should speak for itself. Though I will mention that I booked this show as a big fan of Wilde’s work without doing research on who put it on, and would likely not have bought tickets had I done said research beforehand.
Salome is a one act tragedy written by Oscar Wilde, first published in 1983, revolves around the titular character’s infatuation with and attempted seduction of the prophet Jokanaan. Set in the palace of Herod, Tetrarch of Judea, where Jokanaan has been imprisoned, but when young Salome hears his voice, she becomes entranced and begs her stepfather and uncle Herod to let her see the young man.
This staging sees a grand set in art deco style, reminding of a hotel lobby with a large fountain at the centre, a bar, a piano, and many golden accents throughout. It’s an impressive set that makes a stunning background for the production. There is tension from Herod’s military guards looming in the bar area while the piano plays and Jokanaan’s haunting voice drenches the theatre in operatically sung warnings. Salome’s bubbly and youthful energy whirls across the stage, while Herod’s sleazy attitude towards her is palpably uncomfortable.
The show is accented with piano music and gorgeous singing, a dark and foreboding mood set throughout. There is strong sexual tension oozing through the scenes that are at times hammily overacted, though feel befitting of this strongly salacious play. With an engaging and dramatic staging, it’s a fascinating watch that reveals strong emotions. At times a little contrived, the pacing is spot on in this visually rich production that is dominated by haunting singing and more haunting violence.
