Plays

Printer Friendly

The Threepenny Opera

OVERVIEW

  • Playwright

    Frank McGuinness 

  • Adapted / Translated From

    Bertolt Brecht Kurt Weill

  • Author Notes

    A new version of Bertolt Brecht's and Kurt Weill's original, from a literal translation by Constance Hayes.
  • Setting

    London in 1953.

  • Synopsis

    Brecht's adaptation of John Gay's 'The Beggar's Opera' creates the atmosphere of London's criminal underworld. Mr Jonathan Peachum is the mastermind behind a deceitful beggar's ring. When his one adversary, Macheath, abducts and marries his only daughter Polly, Peachum launches an all-out war against Macheath and his gang of rogues.

  • Play Type

    Adaptation/Translation

    Number Of Acts

    Full-Length

  • Cast Size Male

    18

  • Cast Size Female

    10

  • Cast Notes

    Cast doubling is possible. The original production also included nine musicians. See original production for details.

Original Production

Original Cast  
Beggar Pat Kinevane
Bob Pat Kinevane
Constable Pat Kinevane
Lucy Marion O'Dwyer
Constable Marion O'Dwyer
Molly Lynn Cahill
Dolly Jane Brennan
Constable Darragh Kelly
Filch Darragh Kelly
Beggar Mark O'Regan
Jake Mark O'Regan
Polly Peachum Anna Healy
Matt Brendan Laird
Constable Brendan Laird
Peachum Jim Bartley
Smith John Olohan
Balladsinger John Olohan
Kimball John Olohan
Mrs Peachum Barbara Brennan
Macheath Paul Raynor
Beggar Alan Archbold
Constable Alan Archbold
Walter Alan Archbold
Tiger Brown Bosco Hogan
Pirate Jenny Marianne Faithfull
Vixen Maria McDermottroe
Betty Julie Byrne
Constable Julie Byrne
Production Team  
Director Patrick Mason
Designer Monica Frawley
Designer Joe Vanek
Lighting Designer Mick Hughes
Sound Edward Walsh
Choreographer Terry John Bates
Musical Director Jason Osborn
Musician Earl Gill
Musician Sarah Homer
Musician Kenneth Edge
Musician Jason Osborn
Musician Benny McNeill
Musician Liam Grundy
Musician Des Moore
Musician Jack Bayle
Musician Bernard Reilly
Assistant Director Peter McMahon
Technical Supervisor Ken Hartnett
Stage Director Lita O'Connell
Assistant Stage Manager Melanie Murnane
Assistant Stage Manager Triona Coen
Set Construction Galaxy Construction
Stage Carpenter Fred West
Wardrobe Monica Ennis
Chief Electrician Edward Walsh
Company Director Michael Colgan (1)
Company Deputy Director Marie Rooney
Company Deputy Director Anne Clarke

Unpublished Scripts

  • Contact

    Mel Kenyon, Casarotto Ramsay & Associates Ltd

  • Address

    Waverley House, 7-12 Noel Street
    London W1F 8GQ
    England

  • Phone

    + 44 (0)20 7287 4450

  • Email

    info@casarotto.co.uk

Rights Information

  • Territory

    All Territories

  • Rights Type

    All Rights

  • Contact

    Mel Kenyon, Casarotto Ramsay & Associates Ltd

  • Address

    Waverley House, 7-12 Noel Street
    London W1F 8GQ
    England

  • Phone

    + 44 (0)20 7287 4450

  • Email

    info@casarotto.co.uk

Source Of Information

The information for this entry was taken from the original production programme and promotional flyer.