The Beggar’s Opera opens Chester’s new theatre with a filthy, hilarious version of the first ever popular musical; the story of Mac the Knife. With a score combining folk with rock and balladry with indie, The Beggar’s Opera is a raucous journey down the dark and lawless backstreets of 18th century Chester.

Specially written for the opening of the venue, the ultimate riotous immorality tale is directed by Storyhouse’s artistic director, founder of the hugely popular Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre. Not one for the faint-hearted!

Adapted from John Gay’s original by Glyn Maxwell
Music by Harry Blake
Lyrics by Glyn Maxwell
Director Alex Clifton
Designer Jess Curtis
Lighting Designer Rob Halliday
Sound Designer Ben Harrison
Fight Director Philip D’Orleans
Choreographer Jennifer Fletcher
Assistant Director John Young
Trainee Director Harry Warrell

Cast
Rebecca Birch – Nelly Trull, Wat Dreary
Tom Connor – Suky Tawdry, Ben Budge
Jonathan Dryden Taylor – Lockit, Tom Ragg
Daniel Goode – Peachum
Charlotte Gorton – Mrs Peachum, Mrs Vixen, Mrs Trapes
Barbara Hockaday – Jenny Diver, Jem Twitchers
Greg Joy – Fred Frodsham
Charlotte Miranda-Smith – Polly Peachum
Caolan McCarthy – Beggar, Matt of the Mint
Alex Mugnaioni – Macheath
Baker Mukasa – Filch
Anna Leong Brophy – Molly Brazen, Madmazell
Nancy Sullivan – Lucy Lockit
Hannah Mackenzie – Bessie Doxy
Laura Wilson – Bessie Dozy

This is the opening show of Chester’s brand new theatre and arts centre. Prices vary with demand and are lowest for early bookings.

Adults only: contains sexual references and mature themes

Accessible Performances:
– Captioned Performance – Friday 5 August, 7.30pm
– Audio Described Performance – Friday 18 August, 7.30pm

SEE THE LIVE TICKET PRICES HERE