Sam Crane Archives | British Theatre

Farinelli And The King- More Tickets Available

Editorial Staff5th June 2015 News, West End

Mark Rylance in Farinelli at the Sam Wanamker Playhouse

More tickets (including on stage seating) for Farinelli And The King at The Duke Of York’s Theatre went on sale this morning at 10am. Set in eighteenth-century Spain, Claire van Kampen’s 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. Farinelli and the King explores the dynamics between Farinelli and the royal couple and features many of the exquisite arias by Handel, that were first sung by Farinelli in the 1730’s. Farinelli and the King is directed by John Dove and designed by Jonathan Fensom with musical arrangements by Claire van Kampen. Mark Rylance (Wolf Hall, Jerusalem, Richard III, Twelfth Night) reprises his role as King Philippe V of … Read more

The success of Headlong’s 1984 and its contribution to the future of theatre

Emily Hardy17th May 201621st May 2015 Features, West End

1984 by George Orwell at the Playhouse Theatre

It was announced this week that, due to unprecedented demand, Headlong’s 1984 is extending its run at the Playhouse Theatre until August 23rd, prior to its second UK tour. The play itself reminds us of the dangers of following suit. The popularity of this anti-populist play therefore is a particularly pertinent indicator of some significant shifts in theatre. Robert Icke and Duncan Macmillian’s 1984 is more harrowing, chilling and stimulating than it is enjoyable. A bit like spending 1hr 41 minutes in a refrigerator – cold and bright – 1984 is brilliant if you like your theatre heart free and served up over ice. This is innovation as well as imitation; truthful to the novel and yet bold with interpretation. The writer-directors embrace the novel’s appendix, using it a framing device. The play gives voice to the book’s accompanying comment, opening in the seemingly familiar territory of a discussion group where … Read more

Farinelli And The King – Cast Announced – Tickets On Sale

Douglas Mayo25th February 201627th March 2015 News, West End

Following a sell-out season at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, Claire Van Kampen’s new play Farinelli And The King will transfer to London’s Duke Of York’s Theatre for a strictly limited season commencing on September 14, 2015. Many of the cast of the original production will return to reprise their roles including award-winning actor Mark Rylance as King Philippe V of Spain, Sam Crane as Farinelli, Huss Harblya as Dr Jose Cervi, Meoldy Grove as Isabella Farnese, Colin Hurley as Metastasio and Edward Peel as De la Cuadra. The singing roles will be shared by Iestyn Davies and Rupert Enticknap. 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 … Read more

REVIEW: Farinelli And The King, Sam Wanamaker Playhouse ✭✭✭✭

Stephen Collins27th March 20155th March 2015 Off West End, Reviews

Melody Grove and Sam Crane in Farinelli And The King at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse

It is a slight, but quite beautiful, play, perfectly suited to the intimate grandeur of the space, and quite intoxicating, so perfectly judged is everything about it. . The gifted Sam Crane takes on the acting burden of Farinelli , but when it comes time to sing, he is either joined onstage or replaced there by Purefoy, costumed precisely to match Crane. Purefoy has a strong, rich and agile counter-tenor. He is a delight to hear.