"THE BEGGAR’S OPERA”

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11685, 24 November 1923, Page 13

"THE BEGGAR’S OPERA”

No play of ancient, mediaeval or modern times has so many historical associations as “The Beggar’s Opera, which is to be produced for the nist time in blew Zealand at the Grand Opera House, on Saturday next, Decemlber Ist. According to the author, John Gay, there is not an honourable man nor an honest woman in this comedy of manners of 200 years ago. On the impersonation of the character of the famous Polly Peachum much of the success of the opera depeilded in the past. In connection with the ladies who played the part in the early days, there are many curious coincidences. No fewer than three of them subsequently married peers, and became great ladies in the land. Of only four “record” runs ahead of it, ‘ ‘The Beggar’s Opera’ ’ is almost oertain to pass three in the present London production, which has been running three years. These are “ lhc Maid of the Mountains,” ‘ Charley s Aunt,” and “Our Boys,” leaving the supremacy of the redoubtable “Gnu Chin Chow” alone unchallenged. The C4st includes Miss Pauline Bindley, Miss Eily Malyon, Mr Keg. Roberts, Mr Geo. Willoughby and Mr Milton Osborne.