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Beggars Opera

Beggars Opera

Written by: John Gay
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 The Beggars Opera, penned by John Gay in 1728 and featuring music arranged by Johann Christoph Pepusch, is a brilliant ballad opera that cleverly satirizes the Italian opera craze sweeping London at the time. Instead of grand historical or mythological figures, this engaging piece tells the story of beggars, highwaymen, and women of the town, all set to the lively tunes of popular street ballads, hymns, and folk songs from the era, including melodies inspired by Handel and others. With a remarkable run of 62 performances—an astounding record for any play in 18th-century England—the opera saw a revival in 1920 and further acclaim, inspiring Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill to create their own adaptation, Die Dreigroschenoper. (Summary by Alan Mapstone)Copyright Kids Stories and Comedy Art Drama & Plays Entertainment & Performing Arts
Episodes
  • 04 - Act 3 - Beggars Opera by John Gay

    04 - Act 3 - Beggars Opera by John Gay
    Nov 11 2025
    The Beggars Opera, penned by John Gay in 1728 and featuring music arranged by Johann Christoph Pepusch, is a brilliant ballad opera that cleverly satirizes the Italian opera craze sweeping London at the time. Instead of grand historical or mythological figures, this engaging piece tells the story of beggars, highwaymen, and women of the town, all set to the lively tunes of popular street ballads, hymns, and folk songs from the era, including melodies inspired by Handel and others. With a remarkable run of 62 performances—an astounding record for any play in 18th-century England—the opera saw a revival in 1920 and further acclaim, inspiring Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill to create their own adaptation, Die Dreigroschenoper. (Summary by Alan Mapstone)
    Show More Show Less
    44 mins
  • 03 - Act 2 - Beggars Opera by John Gay

    03 - Act 2 - Beggars Opera by John Gay
    Nov 11 2025
    The Beggars Opera, penned by John Gay in 1728 and featuring music arranged by Johann Christoph Pepusch, is a brilliant ballad opera that cleverly satirizes the Italian opera craze sweeping London at the time. Instead of grand historical or mythological figures, this engaging piece tells the story of beggars, highwaymen, and women of the town, all set to the lively tunes of popular street ballads, hymns, and folk songs from the era, including melodies inspired by Handel and others. With a remarkable run of 62 performances—an astounding record for any play in 18th-century England—the opera saw a revival in 1920 and further acclaim, inspiring Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill to create their own adaptation, Die Dreigroschenoper. (Summary by Alan Mapstone)
    Show More Show Less
    48 mins
  • 02 - Act 1 - Beggars Opera by John Gay

    02 - Act 1 - Beggars Opera by John Gay
    Nov 11 2025
    The Beggars Opera, penned by John Gay in 1728 and featuring music arranged by Johann Christoph Pepusch, is a brilliant ballad opera that cleverly satirizes the Italian opera craze sweeping London at the time. Instead of grand historical or mythological figures, this engaging piece tells the story of beggars, highwaymen, and women of the town, all set to the lively tunes of popular street ballads, hymns, and folk songs from the era, including melodies inspired by Handel and others. With a remarkable run of 62 performances—an astounding record for any play in 18th-century England—the opera saw a revival in 1920 and further acclaim, inspiring Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill to create their own adaptation, Die Dreigroschenoper. (Summary by Alan Mapstone)
    Show More Show Less
    37 mins
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