Beggar's Opera, The by John Gay (1685 - 1732) cover art

Beggar's Opera, The by John Gay (1685 - 1732)

Beggar's Opera, The by John Gay (1685 - 1732)

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The Beggar's Opera is a ballad opera written in 1728 by John Gay with music arranged by Johann Christoph Pepusch. The piece satirises Italian Opera, which had become popular in London, by telling a story of beggars, highwaymen and "women of the town" rather than the classical or mythological figures of grand opera. The Airs in the opera were set to popular street ballads, hymns, folk songs of the time and some tunes from operas by Handel and others.The Beggar's Opera ran for 62 performances, a record for any play in England in the 18th century. It was revived in 1920 and enjoyed further popularity leading to it being used by Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill as the basis for their Die Dreigroschenoper.(Summary by Alan Mapstone)Cast ListBeggar: ToddHWPlayer: Chuck LavazziMr Peacham: BeeswaxcandleMrs Peacham: Leanne CvetanPolly Peacham: valrothMacHeath: Greg GiordanoFilch: Nigel KerrLockit: Tomas PeterLucy Lockit: SoniaDiana Trapes: Lynette CaulkinsMacHeath's Gang:Matt of the Mint: Chuck LavazziBen Budge: Chuck WilliamsonJemmy Twitcher: Ehsan Ahmed MehediCrook Finger'd Jack: redrunWat Dreary: Alan MapstoneRobin of Bagshot: Elijah FisherHarry Paddington: Larry WilsonNimming Ned: Alan MapstoneWomen of the Town:Mrs Coaxer: Jenn BrodaDolly Trull: InkellMrs Vixen: Agnes Robert BehrJenny Diver: Kelly S TaylorMrs Slammerkin: ToddHWSuky Tawdry: NewgatenovelistMolly Brazen: Cat SadlerDrawer: Chuck LavazziServant: David PurdyJailer: InkellStage Directions: Alan MapstoneCopyright Audiobooks, Podcasts and More
Episodes
  • Act 2

    Act 2
    Jun 18 2026
    48 mins
  • Act 1

    Act 1
    Jun 18 2026
    37 mins
  • Act 3

    Act 3
    Jun 18 2026
    44 mins
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