Come You Spirits, Antony & Cleopatra is an immersive theatre experience that begins the moment you step into the Concourse Lounge Theatre.

Guests walk past Antony and Cleopatra, while other actors mingle and pose for photographs with the audience in the bar. Egyptian props are scattered throughout the room on high bar tables, so the audience can get a closer look at them. In the centre of the room, a woman dressed in feathers and a mask walks onto a raised stage. Swaying her hips and dancing evocatively, the sensuous moves are by burlesque dancer Hannah Raven, who won the national title of Miss Burlesque Idol Australia (2017).

Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra is a story of love, duty, and power. This version, however, has been adapted to focus on the lovers’ tragic tale and the romance between the power couple.

The small cast from Come You Spirits troupe are experienced professional actors that have worked internationally and across Australia and are well seasoned in Shakespeare and classical theatre, film and TV. The roles of Antony and Cleopatra are performed by the co-founders, producers and actors for Come You Spirits. The last Pharaoh Cleopatra, Josephine Bloom (The British Shakespeare Company, Australian Shakespeare Company), with Mark Antony’s role played by Charles Mayer (Pop-Up Globe). The duo is supported by High Priestess of Isis (Charley Allanah as Charmian).

The play is guided by Bear (Nathan Meola), who helpfully breaks the fourth wall, explaining what we have just seen. When he’s not acting, Meola is a storyteller and healer who helps people connect more deeply with their bodies and slow down. As the Guide, he uses his skills, encouraging the audience to take deep breaths, express love, and dance. Breaking the fourth wall is something that takes viewers out of the story, but it can be helpful, especially as the language of Shakespeare may be hard to follow.

Set in Ancient Egypt and Rome, staging and costumes are designed by Art Director Letitia Hodgkinson. The costumes, in particular that of Cleopatra, in a full expression of Isis with gold iridescent wings, are spectacular. Come You Spirits aim to produce eco-friendly theatre productions. Hodgkinson sourced props and costumes from council recycling programmes or charity stores. 

Come You Spirits theatre troupe has performed in incredible unique settings, from tunnels to ships. Now it has a new home in the Chatswood Concourse, Lounge Theatre. The show starts in the Lounge bar before the audience is ushered into the theatre. The venue offers two styles of seating – little cocktail tables right next to the stage and tiered seating facing the stage. It’s an intimate theatre space, so no seat is a bad seat. 

During intermission it was wonderful to hear acclaim from the audience with the only negative being “I wish the actors would speak up”. Bear regarded as especially soft spoken.

Antony & Cleopatra is a clever, unique production. If you enjoy immersive theatre and are open to exploring Shakespeare in a less traditional, more spiritual way, you’ll love what Come You Spirits have created.

3 stars.

Antony & Cleopatra is playing at The Lounge in Chatswood Concourse until 22 February 2025. 

For tickets visit The Concourse