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. This production is supported by 95.5FM BBC Radio Bristol.

Cast/Performers

Emily Pithon, Lisa Shingler, Kevin Walton, Richard Frame, Bill Ward, Cornelius Booth, Jules Davison, Martyn Ellis, John Kane, Joanne Redman, Nicola Sloane, Marcello Walton, Joanne Zorian

Creatives/Company

Author: John Gay
Producer: Bristol Old Vic
Director(s): Gareth Machin, John O'Hara (music)
Design: Mick Bearwish