David McVicarâs inventive hit production of Handelâs most popular opera sets the story of Caesarâs conquest of Egyptâand of its queen, Cleopatraâin the era of British 19th-century imperialism while also including elements of Baroque theater and Bollywood movies. David Daniels in the title role and Natalie Dessay as Cleopatra lead the cast. Christophe Dumaux is Ptolemy, Cleopatraâs brother, and Alice Coote and Patricia Bardon star as Sesto and Cornelia, son and widow of Caesarâs opponent Pompey. Early music specialist Harry Bicket conducts and plays harpsichord continuo.