Details

The Beggar's Opera was originally produced on 29 January 1728 by the Theatre Manager John Rich at Lincoln's Inn Fields Theatre and was the first musical show to mix dialogue with songs. A story of thieves and highwaymen, it was intended to mirror the moral degradation of society and, more particularly, to caricature the then Prime Minister Sir Robert Walpole. It ran for 62 performances, the longest run then known, and the success of the production enabled John Rich to build a new theatre in Covent Garden, the forerunner of the Royal Opera House. The Beggar's Opera was first heard of Covent Garden in 1732.

Cast/Performers

Phil Daniels (Mr Lockit), David Caves (Macheath), Beverly Rudd (Lucy Lockit), Tim Frances (Mr Peachum), Janet Fullerlove (Mrs Peachum), Flora Spencer-Longhurst (Polly Peachum), Akiya Henry (Suky Tawdry), Lucie Skeaping (Jenny Diver), Karen Anderson (Mrs Traipes' Assistant), Jack Bannell (Ben Budge), Keith Dunphy (Matt of the Mint), Oliver Hoare (Filch), Rob McNeil (Gang), Fernanda Prata (Woman of the Town), Vinicius Salles (Gang), Frank Scantori (Jailer / Mrs Traipes)

Creatives/Company

Author: John Gay
Director(s): Lucy Bailey, Maxine Doyle (movement), Terry King (fight), Guy Unsworth (assistant)
Design: William Dudley
Music: Roddy Skeaping (original music arrangement)
Lighting: Oliver Fenwick
Sound: Mike Walker