THE BEGGAR'S OPERA (1953)

PETER BROOK

Drama Comedy Literary Classics Musical Classics 10th - 19th Centuries Historical Recommended

Cast

LAURENCE OLIVIER STANLEY HOLLOWAY GEORGE DEVINE HUGH GRIFFITH ATHENE SEYLER ARTHUR BLISS JOHN GAY DENIS CANNAN CHRISTOPHER FRY

Plot

Peter Brook's adaptation of the John Gay opera follows the story of roguish highwayman Captain MacHeath as he awaits his seemingly inevitable trip to the gallows. It is only the Captain's studious use of a file that provides him with the opportunity of escape, but as the highwayman prepares to flee, a beggar who has written an opera of the great man's exploits waylays him. "The Beggar's Opera" is a hugely enjoyable satire on 18th Century society and says much that still rings true today.