Gladiatrix is a new musical, telling the, until now, largely overlooked story of the female gladiators who fought in the arenas of the Roman empire.

The creators of this show are very honest about the fact that there is not a lot known about these women. Indeed, it was the decree outlawing them from performing in the arenas that has provided the bulk of the evidence that this is a thing that happened. Much like the English Women Football players who got banned for being too popular, and their records and achievements suppressed for decades, here, it seems to be the case that the shows and displays put on by the female gladiators were becoming more popular than the men.

What follows then has been pieced together from scraps. Having established the basic premise in opening number, ‘Sex Sells’, we’re introduced to the Emperor responsible for the ban, Septimus Severus (Dashaun Vegas), in ‘I don’t carry a grudge’. You’ll probably not be surprised to learn that he totally does hold a grudge.

From there, we move to the individual stories of each of our four Gladiatrices. They each get some dialogue, and then a song, expressing their anger, and frustration, and showing why they, personally, find fighting in a ring a more enticing prospect than whatever other fate awaits them. One of the four, Deireoe (Bukky Oronti), is trying to fight her way to freedom, and this story is a thread that runs through the narrative. Holding everything together is Marius (Paul Bianchi), who consults a book of records, trying to separate fact from fiction.

This is a really well put together show, with very high production values. If this show transferred to the Southwark Playhouse with its current set and costumes, it would not be out of place. There has obviously also been careful consideration given as to how to best utilise the performance space at Venue 45, and the cast play to all of the semi-in-the-round audience.

This is a great show, with a strong narrative. If the production is to be developed further, it might benefit to expand the current storylines, both by creating more stories about the women, and also by examining in more depth the situation in the Roman Empire at the time when the piece is set. What is currently a fifty minute production could easily be longer, and perhaps there are already plans for such an expansion. From the eight-page programme provided, there certainly seems to be a lot of goodwill supporting the project.

A revealing examination of gender politics within the roman empire, this musical lands all its hits.

Gladiatrix continues at The Space at Venue 45 at 19:40 daily, until August 23