A Chorus of Disapproval

A diffident widower attempts to escape loneliness by joining the local amateur light operatic society. By accident rather than by design (in fact, by not saying "no" to anything be it a request to obtain confidential information from his company or an offer of illicit sex) he advances from a small part to the lead. Parallels are skillfully drawn between The Beggar's Opera and the day to day activities of the society which is performing it. The National Theatre's production starred Michael Gambon as the shambling, madcap producer.