London’s Pleasance Theatre is about to mount  a new adapation  of John Gay’s forgotten gender-bending, anti-colonialist and proto-feminist ballad opera, Polly (The Heartbreak Opera) Bringing a gritty, vibrant energy to the scandalous sequel of The Beggar’s Opera, this new show features 18 original songs inspired by the likes of Britney Spears and Peaches. Think ‘Toxic’. Think ‘F*** The Pain Away’. But make it opera.

Originally written in 1729 and banned for its daring content, we now meet Polly at 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 Mac the Knife as well, this is a viciously satirical, unashamedly sexy, fierce and very funny musical. 

Polly is a collaboration between Marie Hamilton (Madonna On The Rocks) and Sharp Teeth Theatre. It was made at Theatrehaus, Berlin, and directed by Stephanie Kempson Fringe First award winning director of The Good The Bad and The Coyote Ugly and Breathless (NY Times Critics Pick). It was devised by the company, with a score by Cameron Macintosh award winner Ben Osborn, Madeline Shann and Ellie Showering  (Breach Theatre).

 

Polly - The Heartbreak Opera
8th- 11th May 2024
Pleasance London