The Beggar's Opera
T1125337823
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.
Archive :: production:T1125337823, opera or operetta:S1876, venue:V604
Production details
John Gay’s 17th century play, The Beggar’s Opera has been reconfigured to the not-so-distant future. A dark, seedy, absurd, visually rich and cruelly comic co- production from Vanishing Point, Royal Lyceum and Belgrade Theatre, Coventry.
Special Performances
- 24 Sep 09 Audio Described
- 26 Sep 09 Audio Described
- 30 Sep 09 Sign Interpreted
