Cast announced for immersive new musical House of Cleopatra

The new musical will run from 31 July to 25 August at Assembly Checkpoint at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe

House of Cleopatra will tell the story of one of the most powerful and famous women in history, Cleopatra, queen of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt. The charisma of Beyoncé, the influence of Oprah and the wealth of the Kardashians: Cleopatra had it all. 31 BCE finds the most powerful woman in the ancient world, celebrating Egypt's triumph over Rome with an extravagant celebration. But outside the city walls, danger lurks and enemies plot her dynasty's end just as the party hits its crescendo.

Emilie Louise Israel (Treason, Hamilton) will lead the cast as Cleopatra, joined by River Medway (RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Season 3, Unfortunate, Death Drop: Back in the Habit) as the Mistress of Ceremonies, Harry Singh (Flowers for Mrs Harris, Animal) as Octavian while Mamma Mia! I Have A Dream contestant Marcellus Whyte (The Secret Life of Bees) as Marc Antony and Becky Sanneh (Thursford Christmas Spectacular) as Queen’s advisor, Iris.

Members of the ensemble are Chloe Gentles, Karys Rozario, Emily Tang, Shakeel Kimotho, Edan Smart and Luke Perry.

 Book and lyrics of House of Cleopatra by Laura Kleinbaum, music and additional lyrics by Jeff Daye. Founder of TuckShop, Christopher D Clegg (Cool Rider The Musical, Death Drop) will direct the show, choreography by Alexzandra Sarmiento (Babies, 42 Balloons, The Children’s Inquiry), arrangements by Daye and Lloyd Kikoler, music supervision by Lloyd Kikoler, music direction by Caitlin Jay Morgan, costume design by Rachael Ryan, and lighting design by Toby P Darvill.