The fourth of a new series of musical programmes devised by Leslie Baily telling the story of famous stage successes and how they were written and produced
'The Beggar's Opera' by John Gay
First produced in 1728 at Lincoln's Inn Fields, with Lavinia Fenton as Polly; many times revived, including at the Haymarket, 1820, with Madame Vestris as Macheath; at the Lyric, Hammersmith, for 1,463 performances in 1920-23, with Frederick Ranalow as Macheath and Sylvia Nelis as Polly; and at the Haymarket, 1940, with Audrey Mild-may and Michael Redgrave.
The music arranged by Frederic Austin
The compere, Hugh Morton
Radio script by Giles Playfair
Production by Ronald Waldman

Riotous, tuneful, thoroughly English, and ever-fresh, The Beggar's Opera has delighted audiences ever since it was first performed. The dashing Macheath and his fascinating Polly Peachem are the perfect pair of light-opera lovers, and none who have seen the show is likely to forget the wit and insouciance of their story as it runs its tempestuous course through taverns, prisons, and the broad highway.
Leslie Baily will delve back into the history of The Beggar's Opera right from the start and trace its fortunes up to the present day.