Lazarus Theatre Company Announces the Final Company of John Gay's THE BEGGAR'S OPERA

Lazarus Theatre Company are proud to announce the final company of Lazarus Season 2016, the company of John Gay's musical comedy, The Beggar's Opera.

"Lazarus 2016 has (so far) been a fantastic and eclectic season of work, and to have the first musical ever written as our finale is a treat. John Gay's satirical jab in the eye of society is one full of laughter and bombastic characters. He pulls no punches, and we plan to hold nothing back neither! Our cast is assembled of classical actors, musical theatre specialists, gymnasts and acrobats - it certainly is going to be bonkers!

Commented Lazarus Artistic Director and Director of The Beggar's Opera, Ricky Dukes.

Making his Lazarus Debut, Sherwood Alexander takes on the mighty role of raucous highwayman, Macheath.

"It's an absolute joy to be playing the role of devilish rogue Macheath. In a script that portrays such beauty through vulgarity and humour, it's a great project to be a part of. I'm looking forward to sinking my teeth into every aspect, be it the setting of the play or characteristics of these bawdy people, it's going to be a blast!"

Sherwood Alexander commenting on his casting as Macheath in The Beggar's Opera.

Also making their Lazarus Debut, Michaela Bennison takes the role of Polly, Elizabeth Hollingshead the role of Lucy, David Jay Douglas and Natalie Barker take on the roles of Mr and Mrs Peachum respectively. Josie Mills plays the role of Lockit while Louis Rayneau, Alasdair Melrose, Rachel Kelly and Shalana Serafina take on the roles of Filtch, Matt the Mint, Jenny and Mrs Trapes respectively.

Bawdy, Bonkers and Bizarre...

Polly Peachum longs for her newly-married husband, the roguish highwayman, Macheath. Their whirlwind romance is derailed by her parents, his lover, the law and the noose.

John Gay's 1728 musical comedy is set deep within London's underworld, a frantic, dangerous and lascivious world of highwaymen, hangmen and harlots. This uncompromising exposure of moral and financial corruption comes to the stage with an original score and contemporary staging.

"The Beggar's Opera is suitable for audience members of the age of 12 and upwards, contains strong language and scenes of very naughty behaviour."

Lazarus is an award winning Theatre Company, re-imagining and revitalising classic text for a contemporary audience.

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Cast;

Polly Peachum - Michaela Bennison

Lucy Lockit - Elizabeth Hollingshead

Mr. Peachum - David Jay Douglas

Mrs Peachum - Natalie Barker

Lockit - Josie Mills

Macheath - Sherwood Alexander

Filch - Louis Rayneau

Matt of the Mint - Alasdair Melrose

Jenny - Rachel Kelly

Mrs Trapes - Shalana Serafina

Creative;

Written by John Gay

Adapted and Directed by Ricky Dukes

Designed by Sorcha Corcoran

Lighting Design by Stuart Glover

New Lyrics and Music by Bobby Locke

New Music and Sound Design by Chris Drohan

Musical Direction by Sarah Morrison

Production Graphic Designer - Will Beeston

Photo by Adam Trigg.