Original Plays, Second Series

W. S. Gilbert’s second collection of plays offers a lively tour through Victorian fantasy, satire and gentle absurdity. From the mischievous courtroom of “Trial by Jury” to the nautical wit of “H.M.S. Pinafore,” each piece blends sparkling dialogue with sharp social observation, making the works ideal for listeners who enjoy crisp, theatrical storytelling. The volume’s breadth includes heartfelt comedies like “Engaged” and “Sweethearts,” as well as full‑length operatic marvels such as “The Sorcerer” and “The Pirates of Penzance.”

Opening the set is the fairy‑play “Broken Hearts,” set on a mysterious island where a deformed dwarf named Mousta discovers a strange, spell‑bound book. As the sun sets over a tropical landscape, his curious reading promises transformations, hidden powers and a cascade of enchanted mishaps that will draw the other island inhabitants into a whirlwind of intrigue and romance. The first act establishes a whimsical yet eerie tone, inviting listeners to imagine a world where magic and folly intertwine, all delivered in Gilbert’s unmistakably witty verse.