The story in one page
Lavinia Fenton, a talented girl singing for coins in the streets of London, catches the attention of the poet John Gay. Gay is busy casting his new project, 'The Beggar's Opera,' and decides Lavinia is the perfect Polly Peachum. Despite the interference of her difficult mother and the predatory social life of the theatre, Lavinia climbs to fame. As the opera becomes a sensation, she finds herself entangled with the troubled Lancelot Vane. When tragedy strikes Vane, she hides her grief, delivers a landmark performance, and eventually leaves the limelight behind to eventually marry the Duke of Bolton.
Who's who
- Lavinia Fenton
A street singer who finds sudden fame as Polly Peachum.
- John Gay
The poet who discovers Lavinia for his new ballad opera.
- Lancelot Vane
The doomed young man who wins Lavinia's secret heart.
- John Rich
A theatre manager who initially doubts Gay's casting choices.
- Sally Salisbury
Lavinia's rival who avenges the death of her lover.
What it's really about
- Social Mobility
- A singer rises from the streets to noble status.
- Theatrical Life
- The precarious nature of fame and stage performance.
Why it's memorable
- Lavinia singing a pathetic ballad to win a role from a skeptical composer.
- A sudden, explosive blast at a building that removes a rival from the story.
The ending, explained
Spoilers — show the ending
Lavinia leaves the stage to marry the Duke of Bolton, successfully trading her public persona of Polly Peachum for a private life as a Duchess.
For your book club
- How does the gritty reality of the streets inform Lavinia's stage performance?
- Is the opera's success more due to Gay's writing or Lavinia's talent?