Introduction 18th Century Plays Shakespeare in the 18th Century David Garrick Stage Censorship

Audience on stage at The Beggar's Opera

One of the most successful shows on the London Stage in the early part of the 18th century was the ballad opera The Beggar’s Opera. John Gay recycled popular songs of the day and wrote new lyrics that were humorous and satirical. Despite the attempt to suppress it via the 1737 Licensing Act, satire remained popular, such as those staged by Samuel Foote at the Haymarket Theatre.

The Beggar's Opera Costume Design

Listen to two songs from The Beggar’s Opera

	‘Fill every Glass’ [Download] ‘Turtle Dove’ [Download]

One of the most famous satires was Lilliput based on Jonathan’s Swift’s book Gulliver’s Travels which was performed on stage in 1756 with a cast of children.

The Beggar's Opera Design

John Bull in Lilliput