Photo Flash: First Look at Mark Rylance and More in FARINELLI AND THE KING

Shakespeare's Globe and Sonia Friedman Productions are delighted to announce the West End transfer of Claire van Kampen's critically-acclaimed new play 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 withRupert 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. BroadwayWorld has a first look below!

The Duke of York's Theatre will be transformed as the magical and intimate atmosphere of the Sam WanamakerPlayhouse 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.

Directed by John Dove and designed by Jonathan Fensom, the West End production will open on 14th September 2015 and play for a strictly limited run until December 5th. Opening Night will be on Tuesday 29th September.

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.

For more information, visit: www.Farinellitheplay.com

Photo Credit: http://roytan3.wix.com/exhibitionhttp://roytan3.wix.com/exhibition

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