"The Beggar's Opera" is a ballad opera written by John Gay in 1728. It satirizes the corruption of society and the criminal underworld, featuring a mix of spoken dialogue and songs. The story revolves around the character Macheath, a highwayman, and his romantic entanglements with Polly Peachum and Lucy Lockit. The opera is notable for its use of popular tunes and its commentary on social issues, such as poverty and class disparity. It was groundbreaking for its time, blending elements of comedy and drama while critiquing the moral decay of the upper classes and the plight of the lower classes.