London in the 18th century was, for those who could afford it, a city of pleasure. In this concert we visit the opera (“extravagantly lavish in its decorations, its only design to gratify the senses”), and take in the delights of the vibrant pleasure gardens at Ranelagh and Vauxhall. Music by Handel, Arne, Boyce, Chilcot, Fischer and Haydn joins with readings from Goldsmith, Carey, Burgess, “Hurlothrumbo”, Charlotte Papendieck and Burney.