Gladiatrix
★★★★☆ Thumbs up!
theSpace @ Venue 45 (Venue 45): Mon 11 – Sat 23 Aug 2025
Review by Marion Geoffray
Produced by Calum Fleming in Edinburgh and brought to life by a multi-talented international cast and creative team, the musical Gladiatrix premieres at theSpace @ Venue 45 during the Fringe, shining a light on ancient, forgotten heroines through catchy songs and impressive choreography.
While Ben-Hur, Spartacus or even Maximus Decimus Meridius rose to fame in history and pop culture, their female counterparts remained in the shadows of the arena. Albeit rare, female gladiators – or gladiatrices – did exist, and Paul Bianchi makes a point of (re)writing what is usually a mere historical footnote into a celebration of those who defied gender limitations and expectations.
A scene from Gladiatrix. Pic: Mark Fernyhough.
For Vita the prostitute (Stella Antonogiannaki), the outcast Felicitas (Olivia Blair), the noblewoman Mevia (Kirsten Longmuir), and the slave Deireoe (Bukky Oronti), the only way out of the oppressive Roman system is to fight, either towards death or freedom.
Each character gets to tell her own story, but it is as an ensemble that their performance is strongest – both vocally and physically – combining harmonies with stage fighting, and acrobatics with chorus lines. A special mention goes to Oronti, whose voice is as powerful as it is emotionally charged throughout.
relevant today
Fellow gladiators Cato (Stephen Quinn) and Marius (Paul Bianchi) narrate and frame the performance – until it is finally pointed out that, really, a woman should assume this role. The underlying social and political commentary on the female condition is as relevant today as it was back then.
A scene from Gladiatrix. Pic: Mark Fernyhough.
Comic relief comes in abundance from the hedonistic Emperor Septimius Severus, portrayed with gusto by Dashaun Vegas, who is responsible for the short lives (both literally and figuratively) of the gladiatrices – and who also manages to steal the show more than once, making the audience erupt in laughter.
The nine songs, skilfully composed by Tony Gonzalez and Sam Johnides, range from 80s power ballads to camp pop. The lyrics (by Bianchi), written in English with key words in Latin – such as in the finale Ad Astra Per Aspera (“through hardship to the stars”) – offer a fitting nod to the show’s origins.
Ad vitam aeternam!
From oppression to ovation – this feminist take on the Roman Empire is inspiring and has plenty of potential to develop further. It may not appeal to purist historians, but it will please the masses and keep them thoroughly entertained. Wasn’t that the point of the gladiators (or Fringe Theatre), after all?
Thumbs up! Let the gladiatrix live – Ad vitam aeternam!
Running time: 50 minutes (no interval).
theSpace @ Venue 45, 63 Jeffrey Street EH1 1DH (Venue 45)
Mon 11 – Sat 23 August 2025.
Mon 11 – Sat 16: 7.40pm; Mon 18 – Sat 23: 8.50pm.
Tickets and details: Book here on EdFringe.com.
Gladiatrix website: www.gladiatrixthemusical.co.uk/
Facebook: @gladiatrixthemusical
Instagram: @gladiatrixthemusical
A scene from Gladiatrix. Pic: Mark Fernyhough.
ENDS
