On 7th March at 5:45pm for 6:00pm, at the Church of St John the Baptist, The Friends of Snape Church (FoSC) are hosting a Rehearsal by Jubilee Opera of The Beggar's Opera. This fantastic musical drama by John Gay was first staged in 1728 in central London at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. Wildly popular, it sold out night after night, and has been performed all over the English-speaking and singing world ever since.
The Beggar’s Opera combines comedy and political satire in prose, interspersed with songs set to traditional English, Irish, Scottish and French tunes — and is often described as the first musical.
an earlier rehearsal on 7th February |
painting by William Hogarth |
Peachum, a thief catcher, furious that his daughter Polly has married the famous highwayman Macheath, arranges for him to be imprisoned at Newgate Prison, run by the corrupt Lockit. Macheath enlists the help of Lockit's daughter Lucy to escape, but his plan is complicated when Polly tries to save him. However, before Macheath is to be hanged, the Beggar (who narrates the opera) is persuaded by the Player to provide a happier ending.
This rehearsal at Snape Church by the Jubilee Opera is for the Jubilee Children’s Chorus (aged 6 to 15 and currently representing pick-pockets, young ladies of the night, etc) and the younger soloists. This taster will last an hour, and is a chance to donate to FoSC, who are raising money for repairs to the structure of the Church. Come at 5:45pm to enjoy a complimentary drink. Parking is free on both sides of the road.
Two professional adult soloists will join in
at the staged performance at Snape Maltings on Sunday, March 12th at 6:00pm.
You can also order tickets online for that at
https://brittenpearsarts.org/events/jubilee-opera-presents-the-beggars-opera