A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Polly

by William H. Husk

POLLY, a Ballad-opera, written by John Gay as a second part of his 'Beggar's Opera.' When about to be rehearsed a message was received from the Lord Chamberlain that the piece 'was not allowed to be acted but commanded to be suppressed,' the prohibition being supposed to have been instigated by Sir Robert Walpole, who had been satirised in 'The Beggar's Opera.' Failing to obtain a reversal of the decree Gay had recourse to the press, and in 1729 published the piece in 4to., with the tunes of the songs, and a numerous list of subscribers, by which he gained at least as much as he would have done by representation. Like most sequels, 'Polly' is far inferior to the first part, and when in 1777 it was produced at the Haymarket theatre, with alterations by the elder Colman, it was so unsuccessful that it was withdrawn after a few representations. It was revived at the same theatre June 11, 1782, and again at Drury Lane (for Kelly's benefit), June 16, 1813.

[ W. H. H. ]