House of Cleopatra is not like a lot of the “history retold” musicals, such as Six,
we’ve seen recently. It’s a club-like, queer, immersive romp through the tempestuous
relationship between Cleopatra and Mark Antony. On his return from a winning battle
in Rome, Mark Antony arrives to a grand celebration hosted by his adoring partner
Cleopatra and her doting subordinate, Iris. As members of the party, the audience,
greeted by the fabulous Mistress of Ceremonies, found ourselves absorbed and
experiencing a real sense of adoration, deception and loyalty. With banging club
music and epic dances, you are transported to a queer ‘Paris is Burning’-esque
nightclub, with masses of sex, straps and even more drama. Directed by Tuckshop
creator Chris Clegg, the show creates a hypnotic fever dream. Fuelled by an
incredibly talented cast overall, special mentions must be made. Emilie Israel, the
ultimate Queen of the party, is a powerhouse whose vocals would delight the asp off
anyone. Then there’s Octavian, played by Harry Singh; A whirlwind who enters the
room oozing pure charisma, decimates the would-be competition, before a swift mic-
drop exit. For the drag race fans, the delightful and hilarious River Medway provides
never-ending sass as the Mistress of Ceremonies. While you may think a musical
masquerading as a pumping, queer nightclub experience would be exhaustingly
energetic experience aimed at only a younger audience, you’d be entirely wrong. Even my 71-year-old mother needed no encouragement to enjoy herself – she danced the night
away, has now learned to tongue pop, and left infected by an energy she attributes
to her inner Queen.
Venue - Assembly Checkpoint at 2315 until August 25th
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