Lazarus Theatre to present immersive reimagining of Oscar Wilde’s scandalous play Salomé

Originally banned in Britain, Wilde’s outrageously provocative Salomé comes to Southwark Playhouse from 25 August-11 September 2021 after an original run at Greenwich Theatre in 2019.

This immersive new version sits the audience at Herod’s  banqueting table on his birthday, but the lavish affair with innocuous cake and party hats soon descends from  garish to gore. Bringing to life the classic text through a modern lens, the lead role of Salomé is gender reversed as a young gay man just starting to understand his sexuality, drawing parallels between character and playwright  himself.

This bold, politically-charged revival of one of Oscar Wilde’s lesser-known works is adapted and directed by Lazarus Theatre Company’s artistic director, Ricky Dukes. 

Reprising their roles will be Jamie O'Neill as King Herod after his triumphant performance in 2019, Fred Thomas as Prince Salomé, Prince Plockey as Jokannan, and Pauline Babula as Queen Herodias. Making their Lazarus debuts are Omi Mantri  as The Young Soldier and George Ray Turner as The Page of Herodias.  

Director Ricky Dukes said: “Regendering the role of Salomé came about really as I was investigating Oscar  Wilde's works and he as a playwright specifically the scandal surrounding his homosexuality, the establishment’s reaction to this and societal effect. It seemed the role of Salomé herself was a thinly veiled representation of a  young gay man at the start of his sexual blossoming, understanding perhaps for the first time his beauties and his  bodies value. It goes for the jugular in a way his other plays not dare. The play is an examination of what people  will do for what they desire, ultimately people will destroy each other and themselves in the quest to quench their  desires. This may sound bleak, I rather think it’s exciting, toxic, explosive and utterly, utterly bonkers.” 

For more information and to book tickets, please click here.