Pepusch: The Beggar's Opera

Written by John Gay in 1728, The Beggar's Opera is widely considered to be the first musical comedy, and one that pre-empted by about 300 years the current vogue for “ jukebox “ productions, which create a plot to fit around hit songs. Wildly popular from its first performance, The Beggar's Opera has been the basis for numerous stage, musical and cinematic adaptations ever since.