Welcome to an exploration of John Gay's The Beggar's Opera! This website was created by three students at The University of Michigan in an English class entitled "The Rise of the Novel." It is one of many websites created by students for the Eighteenth-Century England Website.

In this site, you will find extensive information on the background and conception of The Beggar's Opera, including the theatrical and musical scenes in England both before and after Gay's work was performed. You can also read a bit about John Gay himself, read about the very first performance, and find multiple references and resources. Enjoy!