THE Threepenny Opera takes the audience on a dark, sometimes uncomfortable yet comical and hugely entertaining journey into a gritty underworld into a not too distant dystopia.

Crime gangs rule, cops are on the take and Prince Charles is preparing for his coronation as King Charles III – two worlds which could not be further apart.

Director David Thacker brings The Threepenny Opera to the Octagon and it remains a story of our times, as the have nots, the number of which is growing, are driven to desperate measures.

The story follows gang Lord Macheath, who has secretly married Polly Peachum — much to the horror of her father.

Thacker sets Brecht’s dark seedy musical play in the future with disturbingly great effect.

Boris Johnson is Prime Minister and the country is still suffering under austerity.

The stage itself would not look out of place in Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist with TV favourite Eric Potts' (pictured below) portrayal of the beggar king Jonathan Jeremiah Peachum playing a modern day Fagin, swapping the orphans for the unemployed training them to become ‘pretend beggars’, in return for a cut of their wages — how times have not changed.

The Bolton News:

Macheath is Mack the Knife”, a vile character, who will exploit anyone or anything he can, charming those from both high and ‘low’ society — and even has the chief commissioner of police in his pocket.

Potts’ portrayal of Peachum makes for uneasy and, at the same time, comical viewing — and his strong performance gives an uncomfortable insight into human nature reminding audiences that they really are no better than him, whatever they may think.

Martina Isibor gives a powerful and empathetic performance as Jenny Driver who illustrates the devastating impact of exploitation.

Perfect comic moments are provided by Sue Devaney, who plays Celia Peachum, Ruby Ablett — Lucy Brown — and Anna Wheatley, who plays Polly.

The Bolton News:

There are powerful one liners delivered about the rich, the desperate, reminding the audience this more than a black comedy.

The scores are performed well with actors who are extremely talented actor-musicians, singing, acting and playing instruments throughout.

Thacker’s adaptation of Brecht’s macabre play is hugely provocative leaving audiences plenty to think on afterwards.

The Bolton News:

Be warned, if you are new to Brecht’s satire, this is more of a play with music not a traditional opera which those not familiar with the play would undoubtedly be expecting.

The play runs until Saturday, November 4.