 The expanded and altered version of The Welsh Opera , The Grub @-@ Street Opera , was first rehearsed in May 1731 , but it never ran on stage . It was printed and exists in a complete printed format , and it is possible that it was not performed because of government intervention . Its original printing was done without Fielding 's consent , and it is uncertain as to when Fielding 's official version of the play was printed . The plot focuses on a standard love story but with characters that exhibit less than virtuous characteristics . The title pokes fun at the Grub Street Journal and also links to the theme within the plot of attacking theatre in general . 
