Polish Alicja Borkowska: Timothy Walker's Cleopatra

Polish actress Alicja Borkowska has been selected from among 600 candidates to play Cleopatra in Timothy Walker's new musical. The performances will be played in London's National Theatre.

Her voice, interpretation and overall image fitting perfectly the vision of Cleopatra persuaded the authors of the musical that no one but Alicja Borkowska could get the role of the Ptolemaic queen of Egypt. Alicja, who sang in Poland's first musical Metro, explains how she applied for the role of Cleopatra.

"I lived in London at that time, and I would receive every morning a newsletter that it was telling about every casting and audition that was happening in London. There was information about casting for the lead in the new musical about Cleopatra. So, of course, I went. You know, if you have chance you have to go and take it, otherwise you'll always regret later."

Having taken her fate in her own hands, Alicja Borkowska proved best among 200 candidates. Yet, despite that successful audition she refused to accept the role.

"The first time, it was just after the auditions when I realized that they cast me as Cleopatra. It was so unreal so surreal for me that it didn't really occur to me that this will ever happen. And especially that they were still writing the material and the play wasn't ready. So I thought I lived too long in London. I had enough. I have to go home. Warsaw is my home. So I said well actually thank you very much, I'm honoured but I'm going home.

"The second time, I received a phone call a year later. I was at that point in Warsaw, and I had to turn it down too, because I was about seven months pregnant. And I heard over the phone a guy saying - well, in that case we'll wait for you. About two months ago I received an e-mail saying that if I'm ready now, they are ready now. Well, three times in a row, it must mean something. And I said yes, and I don't think I will ever regret it. The music is beautiful, the people are fantastic and I just came back from London where we are recording the sound track."

Before Alicja finally said 'yes', two more auditions were held. The authors heard 400 candidates and failed to find anyone who could compete with the Polish actress. Now that the role is hers, the recording has begun. When will the musical be ready?

"The opening is planned for January next year, which in practice means that probably will be about March. That's how it usually happens."