Act 1 takes place in the broom-maker Peter’s house. His son Hänsel complains that he is hungry. Hänsel’s sister Gretel shows him some milk which a neighbour has given for the family’s supper. The children play and dance together. Their mother Gertrude returns and chides them for not working. She accidentally spills the milk, and chases them out into the forest to pick strawberries. Their father Peter has been drinking, but has brought home some food. When he asks where the children are, his wife says that she sent them out into the woods. He warns her of the Witch who lives there and of the danger to their children. The parents leave their house to look for them.
Act 2 is in the woods. Hänsel picks strawberries. The children hear a cuckoo’s song, and eat all the strawberries. The wood darkens and, in its silence, Hänsel admits that he has lost their way. The mists rise, and the children grow frightened. The Sleep Fairy comes and rocks the children to sleep by singing.
Act 3 is the Gingerbread House, which the children discover when awakened by the Dew Fairy. They are so delighted that its roof and windows are edible, that they do not notice the Witch, who captures Hänsel in order to fatten him up to be cooked. Gretel, however, outwits her, and it is the Witch who topples into the flames instead. The oven explodes; whereupon, captive gingerbread children are restored to life. Just as they are freed, Hänsel and Gretel's parents also arrive. Together, everyone rejoices in the defeat of the wicked one, vanquished by the clever and courageous little girl.
