The Beggar's Opera - Leaflet, 1979
Title
The Beggar's Opera - Leaflet, 1979
Date
5 November 1979
Description
Leaflet for The Beggar's Opera by John Gay, starring Edward Woodward, Thelma Ruby, Cyril Shaps and Michele Dotrice.
What's the story?
One of the biggest successes of 18th century theatre, The Beggar’s Opera was written by John Gay and first performed in London in January 1728.
The show portrays London’s lowlife of con artists, corrupt politicians and prostitutes, employing pre-existing popular songs to mock the conventions of the then very fashionable Italian opera.
Frequently revived, in 1928 Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht adapted the show into The Threepenny Opera.
The image on this 1979 production certainly seems to highlight the bawdiness of the show, with popular TV actor from crime programmes such as Callan and The Equalizer, highlighting his wide range by playing the anti-hero Macheath.
Woodward also co-directed the show.
In addition, also appearing in this show was Woodward’s partner Michele Dotrice, whom he later married in 1987.
The show portrays London’s lowlife of con artists, corrupt politicians and prostitutes, employing pre-existing popular songs to mock the conventions of the then very fashionable Italian opera.
Frequently revived, in 1928 Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht adapted the show into The Threepenny Opera.
The image on this 1979 production certainly seems to highlight the bawdiness of the show, with popular TV actor from crime programmes such as Callan and The Equalizer, highlighting his wide range by playing the anti-hero Macheath.
Woodward also co-directed the show.
In addition, also appearing in this show was Woodward’s partner Michele Dotrice, whom he later married in 1987.
Type
Leaflet
Location of item
Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall Nottingham
Rights
Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall Nottingham
Contributor
Researcher: David Longford
