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Farinelli and the King

"Italy, 1731. Farinelli, the world's most famous castrato, is rich, adored and lauded with honours. His divine voice has the power to captivate all who hear it.

Spain, 1737. King Philippe V lies awake. The Queen, desperate to relieve her husband of his insomnia and depression, begs the castrato to come and sing to the king. The effect is transformational. Philippe is healed, held captive by Farinelli's voice - but so is Farinelli...

This intriguing true story is re-told in Claire van Kampen's sumptuous new play, replete with many of the arias first sung by Farinelli."

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