Joseph Rowntree Theatre Events

The first and most famous of ballad operas, The Beggar's Opera is a lively satire of eighteenth century political life, in which beggars, thieves, fences, lawyers, prostitutes and gaolers clash and squabble, in their attempt to worm money out of all and sundry (and each other!).

First performed in 1728, the piece pokes fun at operatic convention by being based on low-life characters - the hero is an amoral highwayman who marries for convenience, pretends to marry two wives simultaneously and is betrayed by his 'so-called' friends.

Written by John Gay, The Beggar's Opera uses songs culled from contemporary songbooks, from other composers and from the traditional folk area. York Opera are using the Frederick Austin score, and the show will be directed by Clive Marshall and musically directed by Steve Griffiths.

Featuring songs from Hairspray, You're a Good Man Charlie Brown, Avenue Q, Altar Boyz, Crazy for You, The Wild Party, Jersey Boys, The Rink, Saturday Night, Parade, Sweet Charity, Sunday in the Park With George and many more!