Polly (The Heartbreak Opera) at The Barnfield, Exeter Northcott Theatre

This fierce adaptation renews Polly, Gay’s near forgotten gender-bending, anti-colonialist and proto-feminist ballad opera, originally written in 1729 but banned for the outrage it sparked. Now in the 21st Century, Polly’s arguments about gender, colonialism and women’s rights rage on. Polly (The Heartbreak Opera) hilariously rips the text apart, re-writing Gay’s original satire to reflect the all too similar societal inequalities of the present day. Devised by the company
and directed by Stephanie Kempson (Fringe First award winner, Breathless; director, The Good The Bad and The Coyote Ugly), this show brings new life to the 18th Century rom-com, with techno, tracksuits and palm trees.
In a tacky beach resort on a storm hit island we meet jilted brides, drag king politicians, a pregnant murderess, and a pirate boyband called Blazin' Squid. Telling not just the story of Purest Polly Peachum but of the other wives of Mack the Knife as well, it is a joyous battle cry and unashamed expression of female rage, of love, loss, and revenge.

This viciously satirical, unashamedly sexy and very funny musical features 18 original songs. The score is brought together by Cameron Macintosh award-winner Ben Osborn, Madeline Shann and Ellie Showering (Breach Theatre).