I managed to catch the end of the run of York University’s production of The Beggars Opera this afternoon.  It’s a hugely ambitious concept with a couple of hundred people involved.  The basic concept is that John Gay’s piece is being performed by inmates in a prison as part of their rehabilitation.  Layered onto this is an obnoxious talk show host who is commenting on the proceedings from a sort of gutter conservative perspective.  Add to this interpolations based on Lady Gaga, blues harmonica, ukulele and even a bit of Britten.  Fights break out between the cast and have to be dealt with by the prison warden and staff.  Equally, they intervene in over enthusiastic sexual encounters.  It’s brave but it rather tends to overwhelm the piece at the centre. Continue reading →