Theatre Watch: House of Cleopatra
Catch River Medway in this show at the Edinburgh Fringe.
Drag Race alum River Medway continues their domination of UK theatre, with the announcement of the cast for House of Cleopatra which will run at the Fringe festival in Edinburgh.
River will play the Mistress of Ceremonies in this immersive show, with Emilie Louise Israel playing Cleopatra.
We caught up with River for a behind-the-scenes look at the production.
Are you a history nerd? Is Ancient Egypt an era that you're familiar with or have you had to do some research for this production?
Absolutely! I always enjoyed history when I was younger and recall being fascinated by Ancient Egypt - the makeup, the jewels, the heels, the wigs!
It’s all very drag - and boy, does our show have it all!
Have you performed at Fringe before? What's your strategy to survive the experience?
I haven’t!
I have travelled and toured many times so I’m used to working away but Fringe is something I’ve always wanted to do and I’m so excited to be spending the whole summer there with this amazing musical.
You seem to have found a niche in theatre that combines your drag persona with your acting and performance skills - was this always the plan?
I have always done musical theatre from a young age. I actually started drag with female roles in theatre as a teenager and it just developed from there.
I studied musical theatre at college but then drag took over for a while after Drag Race. It’s so fantastic that there is space for me in the musical theatre world and love that I can combine my passions.
Are theatre roles where your focus currently is? If you got a call from Drag Race for a Global All Stars series, would you be tempted?
Nothing is more rewarding than theatre. The work behind just auditioning for a role let alone the entire rehearsal process then doing eight shows a week.
Drag work can sometimes be lonely as you do everything yourself but with theatre there is more sense of community and teamwork. It takes an absolute village to put on a musical and it’s really hard work, but the rewards are incomparable.
What do you hope that people feel when they come to see House of Cleopatra?
I want people to have fun. It’s a really great show with, amazing music, choreo, costume and performers with a touch of history and drag flare.
We really want to transport our audience into our world and leave feeling apart of something!
When is it on?
- Performance Dates: 31st July – 25th August 2024
- Location: Assembly Checkpoint, 3 Bristo Place, Edinburgh, EH1 1EY
- Tickets: www.assemblyfestival.com
Billed as a historical drama and a visual spectacle, the production is directed by Christopher D. Clegg.
"I am thrilled to be bringing this original musical to Edinburgh..." says Clegg. "Fringe is about to pop off with this legendary cast you’ll worship as much as the goddess herself! Grab a glass of your favourite elixir and come dance the night away with us in the House of Cleopatra!"
Means Happy
