A modern twist is being put on the 18th century's Beggar's Opera for a new run at the Queen's Theatre in Hornchurch, says SALLY KING

John Gay became a legend in his own lifetime when he wrote the Beggars Opera in 1728.

It was the first musical ever written and people were stunned. They had got used to drama and to opera which told grand stories but stopped for the songs.

The idea of using songs to move the plot along was both novel and a huge success. Now the 18th century story is enjoying a renaissance.

The Queen's Theatre, Hornchurch is producing their own version of the show, while in London the National Theatre has also just launched a new production of the work called the Villain's Opera.

This is not the first time the musical has seen a re-working. It was the basis for Brecht and Weill's Threepenny Opera, which gave the world the haunting song Mac the Knife.

At Hornchurch, the tale of Highwayman McHeath has been moved to modern-day London.

On a stage designed by Rodney Ford the production has traditional music with an modern beat and a fusion of modern and period fashion.

New boy at Cut to the Chase Repertory Company Joe Young will play the villainous McHeath, with Nina Lucking and Allison Harding both putting in their first appearances at the theatre this season as the women vying for his attentions.

The show runs from this Friday until May 13, with daily performances at 8pm.

Tickets for the production are available from the box office at the Queen's Theatre, Billet Lane, Hornchurch. Phone 01708 443333.

Meanwhile, another classic is returning to the south-Essex stage.

The State Opera of Wroclaw, one of Poland's leading opera companies, bring their lavish production of Verdi's Aida to the Cliffs Pavilion, Station Road, Southend for a three-week run from May 29 to 31.

Ring the Cliffs on 01702 351135 to book.

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