On his way to jail for a minor misdemeanour, Eisenstein decides instead to attend Prince Orlofsky’s lavish party with his friend Falke, not knowing that Falke aims to take revenge on him for a previous practical joke. Mistaken identities, frivolity and festivities follow, with a happy ending for all. Johann Strauss’s most popular work is bursting with sparkling melodies, famous waltzes and memorable arias including the joyful ‘laughing song’.