Mr Peachum, the owner of a small organisation that makes outfitting and fake props for fake beggars in a really poor part of London, finds out that his daughter and only child, has fallen for and gotten married to the bandit Macheath. What follows is a crazy ride through a world of thieves, prostitutes, beggars, back alleys, and two-timing characters as Mr. and Mrs. Peachum go about trying to imprison Macheath and get back their dear daughter. The play is inherently naughty, sexual, playful and with a constant sympathy for the poor and downtrodden.