The Threepenny Opera

Recently Updated

The Threepenny Opera: A West End Satirical Masterpiece

"The Threepenny Opera," a "play with music" by Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill, adapted from Elisabeth Hauptmann’s translation of John Gay’s "The Beggar’s Opera," first hit London’s West End at the Royal Court Theatre on February 9, 1956. Directed by Sam Wanamaker, it ran for 149 performances across the Royal Court and Aldwych Theatre, introducing British audiences to its biting capitalist critique. Revived notably in 1972 at the Prince of Wales and Piccadilly Theatres (251 performances) and in 1994 at the Donmar Warehouse, it has seen multiple West End incarnations, including a 2016 National Theatre run at the Olivier Theatre. With over 36 global productions, its blend of Weimar jazz and social commentary has made it a West End staple, last staged in London in 2016, closing October 1.

A Victorian Underworld Unraveled

Set in a gritty Victorian London, the story follows Macheath, aka "Mack the Knife," a charismatic criminal who marries Polly Peachum, daughter of beggar-king Jonathan Peachum. Outraged, Peachum schemes to hang Macheath, leveraging his control over London’s underclass. Despite protection from police chief Tiger Brown, Macheath’s old army pal, he’s betrayed first escaping jail, then recaptured via prostitute Jenny’s tip-off. Facing the gallows, he’s saved by a last-minute royal pardon during Queen Victoria’s coronation, a satirical nod to justice’s whims. This tale of corruption, betrayal, and survival skewers societal norms with dark humor and Brechtian detachment.

Jazz-Infused Songs That Endure

Kurt Weill’s score, rooted in 1920s jazz and German dance music, features iconic numbers like “Mack the Knife,” “Pirate Jenny,” and “The Cannon Song,” performed with a lean ensemble doubling instruments seven players covered 23 parts in 1928. The 1956 production, conducted by Berthold Goldschmidt, set the tone, while later runs, like John Dexter’s 1972 staging, amplified its raw energy. “Mack the Knife” became a global standard, covered by Louis Armstrong and Bobby Darin, though its original menace shines in context. The 2016 National Theatre run, with David Shrubsole’s musical direction, earned a Grammy nod for its cast recording, blending cabaret grit with theatrical punch.

A Cast of West End Legends

The 1956 cast featured Bill Owen as Macheath, Daphne Anderson as Polly, and Maria Remusat as Jenny, setting a high bar. The 1972 revival boasted Vanessa Redgrave (Polly), Joe Melia (Macheath), and Barbara Windsor (Lucy), while 1994’s Donmar staging saw Tom Hollander as Macheath. The 2016 Olivier production starred Rory Kinnear as a chilling Macheath, Rosalie Craig as Polly, and Haydn Gwynne as Mrs. Peachum, directed by Rufus Norris with Simon Stephens’ gritty translation. Across decades, these performers backed by ensembles like the 1972 RSC troupe have kept the show’s anarchic spirit alive.

A Legacy of Provocation

Since its 1956 West End debut, "The Threepenny Opera" has logged over 400 London performances across its major runs, peaking with 2,960 total West End shows by 1980 if counting earlier variants. The 2016 National Theatre broadcast reached cinemas worldwide, cementing its modern reach. Nominated for Oliviers in 1995 (Best Musical Revival) and praised for its “raucous” revival (Evening Standard, 2016), it thrives on its hybrid form neither pure opera nor musical. As of March 2025, its last West End echo was 2016, but its critique of greed and power, paired with Weill’s infectious tunes, ensures it remains a provocative force in London theatre.