ALL I can remember about the last time I saw Antony and Cleopatra, a Royal Shakespeare Company performance in Stratford upon Avon, was trying not to giggle as several audience members dropped off to sleep around me and started snoring.

I am happy to say that there appeared little chance of anyone losing interest in The Nuffield Theatre’s enchanting production of Shakespeare’s tragedy.

The play follows the doomed relationship between Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt, and Antony, Triumvir of the Roman Empire.

Their infatuation proves to be politically and personally disastrous as they abandon any sense of duty to their nations in order to fulfil their lustful desires.

The play’s political backdrop in Rome focuses on the power struggle of the triumvirate Octavius Caesar, Lepidus and Antony against their main opponent Pompey.

Their warring not only decides the Roman World’s fate but also proves an austere contrast to the play’s other more sensual setting in Alexandria, where Antony and Cleopatra play out their affair.

The stage set is simple but effective in pointing to the stark difference between Rome and Egypt, with a handful of purple and gold cushions, a gold mirror and drinks tray signifying Alexandria’s opulence as opposed to Rome’s austerity.

All of the performers are in modern dress which for me initially took some getting used to but which ultimately worked and helped to underline the play’s timeless themes.

Susie Trayling was brilliant in portraying the many different, sometime contradictory facets of Cleopatra’s character, whether she is passionate, ironic, furious or manipulative.

Antony is played by Owen Oakeshott who gave another strong performance – as did all of the play’s