Visit the Torch Theatre on Wednesday, May 24 at 7 pm to see RSC Live: Anthony and Cleopatra.

Written around 1606, Anthony & Cleopatra is one of Shakespeare’s great historical love stories. Antony is captivated by Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt. Gossip and scandal leads to plots of murder and battles.

Mark Antony, Octavius Caesar and Lepidus, having defeated Julius Caesar’s assassins at Philippi, now rule the Roman Empire as a triumvirate.

While in Alexandria however, the ageing Antony has become captivated by Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt (and mother to Julius Caesar’s illegitimate son, Caesarion). The gossip and scandal this is creating both amongst Romans in Alexandria and at home in Rome gives rise to dissention between Octavius and Antony, whose behaviour is felt to be debauched and ’un-Roman’.

At the same time as the power of the triumvirate is being challenged by a dissatisfied senator, Pompey, Antony hears news from Rome that his wife, Fulvia, is dead. These two issues together force Antony to return to Rome and take up his responsibilities as a triumvir again.

Once back in Rome, Antony seems less controlled by his fascination for Cleopatra and, in an attempt to strengthen the triumvirate and cement his political alliance with Octavius following a quarrel, he agrees to marry Octavius’s sister, Octavia. This news drives Cleopatra into a jealous rage.

Directed by Iqbal Khan who returns to the RSC, following his critically acclaimed productions of Othello (2015) and Much Ado About Nothing (2012).

Ticket price: Full £15 | Concession £13 | Child £8.50 at 7pm. To book online visit: www.torchtheatre.co.uk or call our Box Office on (01646) 695267.