Mrs. Langtry as Cleopatra in Anthony and Cleopatra at the Princess' Theatre, 1890.

The director, Frederick Chatterton, had only twelve scenes, largely devoted to archeological recreation. He included the staging of the barge scene at Cydnus merely described by Enobarbus in Shakespeare’s script, plus an Egyptian ballet company, as well as troupes of choirboys and Amazons, with the major climax coming in the staging of the sea-battle at Actium. No wonder that, despite her own reputation as a reigning beauty, Lily Langtry was rather overwhelmed by the elaboration of choreography, costumes and décor. The deaths of the principals in the last act seemed insignificant in comparison. W&D Downey Photographers, courtesy of the Victoria and Albert Museum.