Antony and Cleopatra

“Ground-breaking, unique, mesmerising - innovative access, stellar performances”
- Theatre Ninja on The Winter’s Tale

UK premiere of Christopher Chen's powerful new translation of Shakespeare's epic play

Derby Theatre Studio
Fri 6 and Sat 7 Feb 2026
Tickets available soon

Artrix in Bromsgrove
Tues 10 and Weds 11 Feb
Tickets available now

Shakespeare North Playhouse
Fri 20 and Sat 21 Feb
Tickets available now

Welcome to Egypt - bustling community hub and iconic music venue - run by legendary activist and soul diva Queen Cleopatra. 

Egypt has everything you need to survive in this rundown city – warm space, free food, banging tunes, and fabulous company.

But when the ruthless Rome corporation threatens to take over Egypt in the name of profit, Cleopatra and her people draw battle lines to save the only community space left in town.

Caught in the crossfire is Antony, one of Rome’s top leaders, sent by his colleagues to close the deal, only to find himself falling for Egypt’s Queen.

Is the love between Antony, Cleopatra and the community strong enough to keep Rome’s empire of greed at bay, or will the power and money of the mighty corporation win the day?

This unique modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic play is co-created by a team of Deaf, disabled, LGBTQ+, global majority, neurodivergent and working class theatre makers

Featuring original music and live singing, with creative audio description, BSL and captions

Running time: 2 hours 20 mins including an interval

Suitable for people aged 12 and above

Contains strong language and depictions of suicide

Creative team

Charlotte Arrowsmith - BSL consultant

Sam Beckett Jr - co-director

Christopher Chen - translator playwright

Lezlie Cross - dramaturg

Sky Katelar - lighting designer

Rukus - composer and sound designer

William Shakespeare - original playwright

Maria Slack - choreographer and movement director

Ben Spiller - co-director

Ryan Webster - set and costume designer

Supported by Derby Theatre, Shakespeare North Playhouse, and Friends of 1623

Commissioned and funded by Play On Shakespeare