A riotous and radical adaptation of John Gay’s banned sequel to The Beggar’s Opera
A collaboration between Marie Hamilton and Sharp Teeth Theatre, Polly (The Heartbreak Opera) is heading to The Pleasance Theatre in London from 8th - 11th May. Bringing a gritty, vibrant energy to John Gay's scandalous sequel of The Beggar’s Opera with original music inspired by Peaches, Britney and Nina Simone. This fierce adaptation renews Polly, Gay’s near forgotten gender-bending, anti-colonialist and proto-feminist ballad opera, originally written in 1729 but banned for the outrage it sparked. Now in the 21st Century, Polly’s arguments about gender, colonialism and women’s rights rage on. Polly (The Heartbreak Opera) hilariously rips the text apart, re-writing Gay’s original satire to reflect the all too similar societal inequalities of the present day.
Devised by the company and directed by Stephanie Kempson, this show brings new life to the 18th Century rom-com, with techno, tracksuits and palm trees. In a tacky beach resort on a storm hit island we meet jilted brides, drag king politicians, a pregnant murderess, and a pirate boyband called Blazin' Squid. Telling not just the story of Purest Polly Peachum but of the other wives of Mack the Knife as well, it is a joyous battle cry and unashamed expression of female rage, of love, loss, and revenge. This viciously satirical, unashamedly sexy and very funny musical features 18 original songs. The score is brought together by Cameron Macintosh award-winner Ben Osborn, Madeline Shann and Ellie Showering (Breach Theatre).
Set to inspire and empower new audiences across the UK, co-writer and performer Marie Hamilton comments, Our Polly is wild, riotous and empowering. It’s a dark and absolutely hilarious night out...It's been a long time coming, and we’re so ready to bring this brave and beautiful show back out, our joyous retaliation to all the right-wing rhetoric around: a dirty, angry, and most importantly, very funny call to arms.
Cast:
Marie Hamilton: Captain Macheath/Lucy Lockitt/Mrs. Trapes/Mrs. Ducat; Madeleine Shann: The Poet; Genevieve Sabherwal: Polly Peachum; Sedona Rose: Jenny Diver/Mayor Ducat/Mrs. Peachum
Polly (The Heartbreak Opera):
- 2nd – 3rd May: The Lowry, Salford
- 8th – 11th May: The Pleasance, London
- 15th – 16th May: The Barnfield, Exeter Northcott Theatre