About Gladiatrix
In 200 AD, Emperor Septimius Severus decreed that women could no longer compete in the Gladiator Games. And while the games were occasionally home to Ludi meridiani (Events intended to be public executions)- For many women, the arena was a place to exist outside of typical gender norms. What happens when an empire mandates how women use their bodies?
Gladiatrix brings this untold story to life through a mix of storytelling, song, and stage combat. Inspired by true events, this electrifying production explores the strength, sacrifice and resilience of the women left behind. Her story, lost in history.
Our Ludus
Paul Bianchi
Book/Lyrics & Marius
An award-winning screenwriter, novelist, and mythologist, PAUL BIANCHI lived and worked in Hollywood for 15 years before moving to Scotland. Though his written work frequently manifests as fantasy, sci-fi, or historical fiction, he dabbles in other genres to explore outsider (more often queer) point of view. His history as a Production Designer lends to the visual language of his written work.
Tony
Gonzalez
Music
Tony Gonzalez is an LA-based songwriter and performer originally from Texas. With his longtime friend and collaborator, Sam Johnides, Tony has co-written the music for shows like Supportive White Parents, Bachelor: the Unauthorized Musical Parody, and Real Housewives: the Unauthorized Musical Parody. His work with the band Diary of Atticus can be heard on all music streaming services.
Sam
Johnides
Music
Sam Johnides is a songwriter and musician based in LA. He has had the pleasure of being part of the musical improv world for years, performing at the infamous Second City, UCB, and countless theaters in the LA area. With his longtime friend and collaborator, Tony Gonzalez, Sam has co-written the music for shows like Supportive White Parents, Bachelor: the Unauthorized Musical Parody, and Real Housewives: the Unauthorized Musical Parody.
Stella
Antonogiannaki
Vito
Stella Antonogiannaki is currently studying Musical Theatre at Sharpe Academy of Theatre Arts in London. Before this, she completed a Physics degree at the University of Edinburgh. If you find this transition strange, worry not, you’re in good company; so did her family. In her first year at College she’s had the opportunity to perform as Grandma in The Addams Family, and Mum in A Monster Calls. This is her very first Edinburgh Fringe and she is beyond excited to be a part of this show.
Bukky oronti
Deireoe
Bukky Oronti (ORONTI) is a Nigerian-born, London-based singer and performer making her musical theatre debut in Gladiatrix. A former The Voice UK semi-finalist (Team Jennifer Hudson), ORONTI is known for her smoky, soulful vocals and magnetic stage presence. Her experience performing internationally- from Las Vegas to Singapore, and working with artists like King Rudy of P-Square- has shaped her into a powerful storyteller. As an artist shaped by both her African heritage and global influences, ORONTI is excited to step into this fierce, feminine world, and channel her voice into a new kind of battlefield: the stage.
Stephen Quinn
Cato
Stephen Quinn graduated from the M.A Classical Studies programme at the University of St Andrews in 2016 and then graduated from the M.A Musical Theatre Performance programme at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in 2021. He is thrilled to finally be combining ancient history & culture with musical theatre in 'Gladiatrix'. His previous Edinburgh Fringe performances include Clarke & Gehm's Star Wars parody show 'The Extras Strike Back' in 2023 and the Get Tae Collective's audio play 'Sofa Bed' in 2024. He is beyond excited to be returning to the Fringe with the 'Gladiatrix' team.
Kirsten
Longmuir
Choreographer & Mevia
After receiving her First Class BA Hons in Musical Theatre, Kirsten Longmuir travelled the world performing. From cruise ships to pantomimes to voice over work. pursuing her love of teaching, she opened her own successful musical theatre school and lectured at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Kirsten is thrilled to be a part of this exciting project as producer, vocal coach, choreographer and performer.
olivia blair
Felicitas
Olivia Blair is a Scottish actress who trained at Performing Arts Studio Scotland where she graduated from her Musical theatre course in 2020. Since graduating she has performed in pantomime ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ with North East Producers; musicals ‘Legally Blonde’ and ‘American Idiot’ at the Edinburgh Fringe, and play ‘The Fright House’ at the Edinburgh Horror Festival. In addition, her on screen credits include feature film ‘The Draw’ and short films ‘Aisles’ and ‘The Room Where it Happened’. She is currently represented by Sam Simmons at Pride in Performance.
dashaun vegas
Septimius Severus
Dashaun Vegas is delighted to be joining the company of GLADIATRIX THE MUSICAL and creating the role of Septimius Severus. He is an American actor who moved to the UK after falling in love with the country (and his future husband) during a study abroad trip on his BA coarse. After receiving his BA from the University of Oregon, he settled in Glasgow with his husband and went on to receive an MA in
Musical Theatre Performance from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Most recently he has been seen appearing has Harry the Horse in Nicholas Hytner’s immersive production of GUYS AND DOLLS.
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Cf creative productions is a trading name of cf creative consultancy ltd, a company registered in scotland (Reg No: SC683109).
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