The Beggar's Opera talk with Paul Jepson

Paul Jepson CEO of Landmark theatres who recently directed a new production of John Gay's The Beggars Opera will give a talk about what is still the most influential work of art associated with Barnstaple. John Gay was born and educated in Barnstaple and his Beggars Opera was first performed in 1728 and is still performed today. Notable productions included the 1770 production in Williamsburg, Virginia, attended by George Washington and Thomas Jefferson and the countless versions of it include the Threepenny Opera by Kurt Weill and Bertold Brecht.

We are able to provide travel bursaries to help you attend this activity. These will be paid in cash on the day you attend. Please book your space on Eventbrite and contact [email protected] to confirm how much you require.

This event is part of our 'Back To The Market' project, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.'Back To The Market' investigates the heritage of Barnstaple Pannier Market, concentrating on three key areas of research: the events around Oswald Mosley’s talk that took place in Barnstaple Pannier Market in 1934, Jeremy Thorpe’s wedding reception that took place in Barnstaple Pannier Market in 1968, and The Beggar’s Opera written in 1728 by John Gay who was born in Barnstaple. The exhibition (on from 4th November to 19th December) features three commissions by artists Jessica Akerman, Cecily Loveys Jervoise and Graham Taylor, who have been exploring these three areas and contemporary issues revolving around them more broadly.

Using money raised by National Lottery players, The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports projects that connect people and communities with the UK’s heritage. Thanks to National Lottery players, we will be able to deliver a year-long project that provides research opportunities, fun activities for the community, and the chance for people to think more deeply about what the Pannier Market means to our area.

Studio KIND is a contemporary artist-led visual arts and community space that inhabits The Corn Store – an enclosed space at one end of the market that has recently been modernised with sky lights and large, arched, glass doors opening straight into the main market space. Working with a range of contemporary artists as well as numerous community groups, charities and local schools, to put on a range of workshops, gatherings, talks and exhibitions.

There is disabled access and disabled toilets next door. Studio Kind is situated at the far end of and within Barnstaple Pannier Market. During out of hours, the market can be accessed by a small wooden door from Butchers Row.

Nearest Car parks are the Cattle Market car park or Barnstaple Central. There is disabled parking on Boutport Street.

The bus station is a 5-minute walk away and the train station a 15-minute walk or bus journey of 10 minutes.