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. 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.

Cast/Performers

Sandy Grierson, James Bryce, Pauline Goldsmith, Damir Todorovic, Elspeth Brodie, Victoria Bavister, Rosalind Sydney

Creatives/Company

Author: John Gay
Company: Vanishing Point
Director: Matthew Lenton
Design(s): Kai Fischer, Finn Ross (projection - for mesmer)
Lighting: Kai Fischer
Music(s): Alasdair Macrae, Quinn
Sound: Mark Melville
Costume: Eve Lambert
Other: Sandy Grierson (creative associate)