Peachum runs the criminal underworld of 18th century London. He takes his cut of the criminals' cash, at the same time he collects money from the law for 'peaching' them - turning them in.

When his daughter Polly marries the superstar highwayman Macheath, Peachum fears she will give away his secrets. He and his wife arrange to betray Macheath to the police.

John Gay's classic satirical opera is given a modern twist with 21 new songs and lyrics by Grant Olding. This version, commissioned in 2007 by the Hazlitt Theatre and Changeling Theatre Company, toured open air venues for four weeks this summer and had audiences rivetted to their rugs whatever the weather.

By turns hilarious and cruel, touching and cold, brutally honest and overtly theatrical, witty, rude, shocking and irreverant this new version of The Beggars Opera keeps the 1728 John Gay text but plays as a piece of modern musical theatre.

A full cast demo recording has just been finished featuring the wonderful touring company and band, and you can download some of the songs below.

To Hang a Husband

A Sorry Sight

There's Nothing so Nice as a Nimming

Promises