Oli Fuller
A musical triumph, with songs worthy of the West End.
Gladiatrix follows the story of the 4 female Gladiators, or Gladiatrix, in the Roman Empire. Asking, why do they fight? and what else they can do? when faced with Septimius Severus’ ruling that women shall not be Gladiators.
Every single performer in this piece is outstanding, the music is incredible with a soundtrack that I need on streaming immediately. The choreography, with choreographed fights within dances, is absolutely fantastic. Artistically, this show was so much more than I expected of a new musical at the Edinburgh Fringe.
Where the show unfortunately fell flat was the text, which felt clunky and as if it was only there to move us between the songs. I also was dissapointed that so much of this play was introducing its characters, the play ended with no real conclusion and the plot not having moved at all since we discovered that these women can no longer fight, and it felt as if this were just act one of a longer musical, with more of the plot happening in the second act. I almost hope that is the case, because I adored the characters and all of their songs and I want to see them fight for their freedom in an environment that is so heavily oppressing them.
That being said, I cannot express enough how good the music and performances were, I have had Septimius Severus’ stunning villian song stuck in my head since the moment he began singing it, the music behind this musical is truly incredible, I just hoped there would be more to it.
Recommended Drink: Pair this with some Ancient Roman Posca.
Performances of Gladiatrix have now concluded at EdFringe 2025.
Jasmine Silk
Jake Mace
