Farinelli And The King

WHAT IS FARINELLI AND THE KING ABOUT?

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.

A SELL-OUT SUCCESSFarinelli And The King comes to the West End from its sell-out run at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, where it enjoyed critical success. You can read Stephen Collins' review for British Theatre here.WHO ARE THE CREATIVE TEAM FOR FARINELLI AND THE KING?

Directed by John Dove, designed by Jonathan Fensom and starring Mark Rylance (Wolf Hall, Jerusalem, Richard III, Twelfth Night), as King Philippe V of Spain. Sam Crane will once again play the acting role of Farinelli, while the singing role will be reprised by opera star, Iestyn Davies and shared with Rupert Enticknap. The rest of the cast will also transfer with Huss Garbiya playing Doctor Jose Cervi, Melody Grove playing Isabella Farnese, Colin Hurley as Metastasio and Edward Peel as De la Cuadra.

AN ATMOSPHERIC PRODUCTION

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.

THE BRITISHTHEATRE.COM BOOKING EXPERIENCEBritishtheatre.com is the one-stop online box office for tickets to Farinelli And The King and for the best seats to the best shows in London’s West End. Whether you are a first-time theatregoer or a seasoned fan of theatre we will do our best (together with our ticketing partners) to ensure that you get great deals on theatre tickets and the very best of service. Farinelli And The King is going to be a popular show with fans of Mark Rylance. We hope to facilitate your trip to Farinelli And The King at London’s Duke Of York's Theatre and hope that you enjoy this very special theatre experience.