Our production for Autumn 2010 will be:

The Beggar's Opera

by John Gay
(Dover Thrift edition, available on Amazon)

13th - 15th October 2010, Isleworth Public Hall

Directed by Annee Blott
Musical Direction by Helena Brown

The Beggar's opera is an enduringly popular ballad opera- an 18th century form of comic opera in which the spoken dialogue carries the narrative for a series of satirical songs set to familiar folk tunes. It is the story of Macheath the highwayman,his lovers,betrayers and criminal associates. It is enormous fun.

Our production aims to remain faithful to the original, whilst swapping the gender of some of the roles, and reworking the beggar and player interventions for a modern audience. In addition we shall be losing some of the one line characters in favour of a more flexible chorus.

We would like to appeal for some production people to assist. We are looking for stage management and costume help.

CAST LIST:

FEMALE;

MRS PEACHUM – a role enhanced by taking on the opening scene & song ‘through all the employments of life.
POLLY PEACHUM - her daughter
LUCY LOCKIT- The rival, in love, of Polly
MRS LOCKIT - Lucy’s Mother taking over the role of jailor formerly a male role
JENNY DIVER - prostitute and a former a lover of Macheath
DIANA TRAPES - A Madam and criminal associate of Mrs Peachum
MRS COAXER - A prostitute of wit and quality
SUKI TAWDRY
MRS VIXEN

THE MEN;

MACHEATH a highwayman
FILCH- an apprentice to the Peachums
PEACHUM- a smaller speaking part than in the original
BEN BUDGE Macheath’s gang
MATT OF THE MINT ‘
WATT DREARY “
CROOK FINGERED JACK “

TO BE PLAYED BY EITHER GENDER

BEGGAR
PLAYER