Sorry! You missed Farinelli And The King at Duke of Yorks Theatre

Unfortunately, we don't have any information about upcoming performances of this show. Maybe we can interest you with something similar from the options below...

location

Saint Martin's Lane 85-88, London WC2N 4BG

Farinelli And The King

4 star rating4 star rating4 star rating4 star rating

Closed December 5, 2015

"A pleasure that verges on the sublime!"

The Guardian

Why See Farinelli And The King?

PlaysStrictly Limited RunsCritics Picks

TRANSFERRING TO THE WEST END!

Mark Rylance is hot property at the moment. Fresh from scheming his way to the top of the Tudor court in BBC drama Wolf Hall, Rylance has in the meantime been wowing audiences at the Globe as the beleaguered King Phillipe V of Spain, plagued by insomnia until help arrives in an unlikely form.

Following rave reviews, this fascinating tribute to the therapeutic benefits of music will be transferring to the West End for a strictly limited time only. The Duke of York's Theatre will undergo a transformation back to the 1730s, lit almost exclusively by candlelight, to bring the atmosphere of the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse to the heart of the West End. Music will be played using authentic Baroque-era instruments, with the role of Farinelli played by a counter-tenor (yet to be announced).

WHAT IS Farinelli And The King ABOUT?

King Phillipe V of Spain suffers from severe insomnia, which is causing him and his wife great distress. Desperate to help her ailing husband, the Queen sends for the famed castrato Farinelli, whose legendary voice has been likened to that of an angel. Astounded and cheered by the extraordinary singer, Philippe invites Farinelli to stay with him at court, in order to keep away his existential fug. In turn, Farinelli finds solace away from the opera houses and crushing celebrity that follows him everywhere. But ultimately, will he be content to remain in the shadows at the bedside of a king, or will the fame and glory of the opera houses tempt him back into the limelight?

Formerly the Artistic Director of The Globe, Rylance an esteemed Shakespearean actor with who has garnered many Olivier and Tony Awards over the years. Considered one of the world's finest stage actors, rivalling the reputation of Sir Lawrence, this actor's star power has been boosted by his primetime tv role as Thomas Cromwell in BBC's Wolf Hall, so make sure you book for this blink-and-you'll-miss-it West End transfer, as it is anticipated to be a fast sell-out.

DID YOU KNOW?

Farinelli And The King is a family affair in more ways than one; the play's author Claire van Kampen is none other than Rylance's wife.

show content hide content

Additional Information

Dates

Previews from: 14 September 2015

Opening night: 29 September 2015

Audience

Suitable for ages 12+

Run time

TBC

And before you stop reading

Images used are from the original production at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse

MASKS

You may be required to wear a mask during this performance. Please contact the venue directly for more information.

Cast and Creative

Cast

Mark Rylance as Phillipe

Sam Crane as Farinelli

Melody Grove as Isabella Farnese

Huss Garbiya as Doctor Jose Cervi

Colin Hurley as Metastasio

Edward Peel as De la Cuadra

Iestyn Davies and Rupert Enticknap as Castrato

Creative

Written by Claire van Kampen
Directed by John Dove
Designed by Jonathan Fensom

What we thought

Delightful sell-out TRUE

It certainly was easy to believe his singing could banish depression, free forbidden love, and even the cure madness both can invoke.

Mark Rylance holds his audience captive in this excellent part-comedy, part-drama period-piece. The production will delight all senses, with Jonathan Fensom delivering a beautiful set for the Duke of York's Theatre.

Read full review
Wendy Fynn

Wendy Fynn

What you thought

Seen Farinelli And The King? Loved it? Hated it?

Help your fellow London Theatreland visitors by leaving the first review!

Write a review now

Nearby

Venue home

Venue home

location

Location

restaurantsDiningRestaurants
hotels

Hotels

Additional Information

seating chart
SeatingSeating map

Spread the word

Sound good to you? Share this page on social media and let your friends know about Farinelli And The King at Duke of Yorks Theatre.

Keep up to date

I want email news and updates for events in my area! Read how we protect your data.

Please note: The term Duke of Yorks Theatre and/or Farinelli And The King as well as all associated graphics, logos, and/or other trademarks, tradenames or copyrights are the property of the Duke of Yorks Theatre and/or Farinelli And The King and are used herein for factual descriptive purposes only. We are in no way associated with or authorized by the Duke of Yorks Theatre and/or Farinelli And The King and neither that entity nor any of its affiliates have licensed or endorsed us to sell tickets, goods and or services in conjunction with their events.