This production began performances on 14th September and closed on 5th December 2015.
★★★★★
Mark Rylance leads a pitch-perfect production
The Independent
Set in eighteenth-century Spain, Claire van Kampen's moving and mesmerising new play tells the intriguing true story of Farinelli, once the world’s most famous castrato and one of the greatest celebrities of his time, and his decision to trade fame and fortune in the opera-houses of Europe for a life of servitude at the court of King Philippe V.
This enchanting new play explores the dynamics between Farinelli and the royal couple, featuring many of the exquisite arias first sung by Farinelli in the 1730’s. The Duke of York’s Theatre will be transformed for this sumptuous production, lit almost exclusively by the glow of candle-light and with live music played on Baroque instruments.
★★★★★
An evening that no theatre or music lover can afford to miss
Sunday Express
The Duke of York’s Theatre will be transformed as the magical and intimate atmosphere of the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse is brought to the West End with onstage seating, candles and live Baroque music played by six onstage musicians, led by Harpsichordist and Musical Director Robert Howarth.
Shakespeare's Globe and Sonia Friedman Productions present the West End transfer of Claire van Kampen’s critically acclaimed new play “FARINELLI AND THE KING”.
★★★★★
Spellbinding, superbly staged production
Mail on Sunday
CAST
SAM CRANE – Farinelli (Acting Role)
IESTYN DAVIES – Farinelli (Singing Role)
RUPERT ENTICKNAP – Farinelli (Singing Role)
HUSS GARBIYA – Doctor Jose Cervi
MELODY GROVE – Isabella Farnese
COLIN HURLEY – Metastasio
EDWARD PEEL – De la Cuadra
MARK RYLANCE – King Philippe V of Spain
CREATIVES
CLAIRE VAN KAMPEN – Playwright
JOHN DOVE – Director
JONATHAN FENSOM – Designer