A riotous, radical adaptation of Polly, John Gay’s banned sequel to The Beggar’s Opera, with techno, tracksuits and palm trees – presented by Marie Hamilton and Sharp Teeth Theatre
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 Mac the Knife as well, this is a viciously satirical, unashamedly sexy, fierce and very funny musical. It is a wild, joyous battlecry, an unashamed expression of female rage, of love, loss, and revenge. With songs inspired by Peaches, Britney and Nina Simone.
Returning to The Wardrobe Theatre for its Bristol premiere, Polly is a collaboration between Marie Hamilton (Madonna On The Rocks) and Sharp Teeth Theatre (Sherlock In Homes, Streaming Beauty) directed by Fringe First award winning director of Breathless, Stephanie Kempson (NY Times Critics Pick) and The Good, The Bad & The Coyote Ugly. The show was devised by the company, with a score by Cameron Macintosh award winner Ben Osborn, Madeline Shann and Ellie Showering (Breach Theatre, Insane Root). This is a show that was birthed in Berlin but brought up in Bristol, finally getting it’s homecoming.
“Horror amid the hilarity: Marie Hamilton and Stephanie Kempson’s musical John Gay adaptation hits all the right notes… Overwhelming fun.”
Exeunt
“Gritty, in-your-face, intelligent exploration of feminism, power and control… Bang on for political timing and satirical commentary.”
Weston-Super-Mum
“A triumphant melding of satire, stagecraft, and more than a hint of the sinister… Laugh-a-minute stuff of the highest order… Theatre needs ingenuity like this.”
The Greenwich Visitor
Cast:
Polly Peachum/ Mr Ducat/ Robbie Big Thumb: Genevieve Sabherwal
Jenny Diver/ Ma Peachum/ Mayor Ducat/ Quick Jim: Sedona Rose
Lucy Lockit/ Mrs Trapes/ Mrs Ducat/ Thick Steve/ Captain Macheath: Marie Hamilton
The Poet: Madeline Shann
