Farinelli and The King
Shakespeare’s Globe’s critically-acclaimed production of FARINELLI AND THE KING, starring Mark Rylance, transfers to the West End’s Duke Of York’s Theatre for a strictly limited run.
Olivier, Tony and BAFTA winner Mark Rylance (Wolf Hall, Jerusalem), ‘one of the greatest stage actors in the world’ (Daily Telegraph), stars in Claire Van Kampen’s moving and mesmerising new play, fresh from a sell-out run in the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse at Shakespeare’s Globe.
Depressed and plagued by insomnia, King Philippe V of Spain lies awake in his chamber. The Queen, desperate to find a cure, hears of Farinelli – a castrato with a voice so divine it has the power to captivate all who hear it. Even Philippe is astonished when Farinelli sings, and begs him to stay. But will Farinelli, one of the greatest celebrities of his time, choose a life of solitude over fame and fortune in the opera-houses of Europe? And will his extraordinary talent prove to be a curse rather than a blessing?
Starring Mark Rylance as Philippe V, directed by John Dove with designs by Jonathan Fensom.
Shakespeare’s Globe and Sonia Friedman Productions join forces once again (Richard III and Twelfth Night, 2012) to bring this inspiring true story – featuring many of the arias first sung by Farinelli in the 1730s and music played live by musicians on Baroque instruments – into a transformed Duke of York’s Theatre, lit almost exclusively by the glow of candlelight.
DAILY TELEGRAPH
‘A celebration of the restorative power of music and how it can transform us’
THE INDEPENDENT
‘Rylance reigns supreme in a beguiling show’
‘Iestyn Davies sings with rapturous virtuosity and uncanny beauty’
‘Enchantingly directed by John Dove’
EVENING STANDARD
‘A warm, witty tribute to music and its therapeutic power’
‘Superb courtertenor, Davies’ sound is sophisticated, crisp and his high notes are ethereal’
THE TIMES
‘Claire van Kampen’s warmingly eccentric, bewitchingly musical historical comedy-drama is compelling’
THE TELEGRAPH
‘Iestyn Davies, the great courtertenor, sings with such an intense beauty that he almost manages to upstage the un-upstageable Rylance’
THE GUARDIAN
‘A pleasure that verges on the sublime’
‘Claire van Kampen’s extraordinary story interweaves story and song’
DAILY EXPRESS
‘Beautifully realised…an evening of pure enchantment’
Playing for a limited 12 week period from 14th September to 5th December 2015!
To find out more and to book tickets click here ←
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