Details

In 1728 John Gay's 'The Beggar's Opera' became an overnight success in it satire of politics and society and of course groundbreaking new form which essentially created the musical genre. Told by a troupe of 1980's would-be political activists fired up with anti-Thatcher sentiment using John Gay's satire as a platform for their views The Beggar's Opera of course has more than a few echoes with the Britain of today. The Beggar’s Opera is the first musical to join Belt Up Theatre’s repertoire and in a new adaptation by James Wilkes (The Tartuffe) looks to hold up a comical mirror to the society and politics of today. Playfully meta-theatrical in Belt Up Theatre’s signature style and knowingly anachronistic jumping back and forth between today, 1988 and 1728.

Creatives/Company

Music: John Gay
Lyrics(s): John Gay, Robert Locke
Producer: Jethro Compton
Company: Belt Up Theatre
Director: Alexander Wright
Musical Director: Dan Wood