Oscar Wilde's last play, Salome, originally written in French and banned in England, had not been generally regarded as on a par with his other plays; more something of a precious salon piece. Steven Berkoff's 1988 production for the Gate Theatre changed that perception utterly. Transformed into a mesmerising study of illicit passion - Herod's for Salome and hers for Jokanaan the Baptist - it was a huge dramatic and critical success, here and abroad.
The Gate will open a new production, staged by Alan Stanford (who also plays Herod again) on Tuesday next, with newcomer Fiona O'Shaughnessy (right) as Salome. Roger Doyle has composed and performs original music, and the Gate will break new ground by offering a CD of it for sale.
