Cover of Broken Hearts

Broken Hearts

by W. S. Gilbert

Chapter 1 of 3 Act 1

0:00 36:17

Running time
1 h 30 min
Language
English
Readers
Eva Davis (d. 2025), Jenn Broda, MichaelMaggs, Sonia, ToddHW and 2 others

Chapters

About this recording

Gilbert of Gilbert and Sullivan fame also wrote non-musical plays without Sullivan as a partner. Here is a dramatic play far afield from the comedy musicals we often think of when we hear Gilbert's name: Prince Florian of Spain arrives on The Island of Broken Hearts, peopled by "we maidens all (save one [their dwarf protector]) [who] have dearly loved, and those we loved have died. We, broken hearts, knit by the sympathy of kindred woe, have sought this isle far from the ken of man; and having loved, and having lost our loves, stand pledged to love no living thing again." Fairies and magic lead to self-understanding, showing that Gilbert can well handle more serious material than you may think. - Summary by ToddHW

Cast list:

Prince Florian: Tomas Peter

Mousta, a deformed dwarf: ToddHW

The Lady Hilda: Sonia

The Lady Vavir, her sister: thestorygirl

The Lady Melusine: Eva Davis

The Lady Amanthis: Jenn Broda

Stage Directions: MichaelMaggs

Editing: ToddHW