Farinelli and the King, Sam Wannamaker Playhouse ****

Like Mastersingers, this is a production which wholeheartedly celebrates art and, in this case, it's power beyond just a piece of entertainment. The intimate space of the Wannamaker can display this in a way not many other spaces can. Whilst some seats offer truly awful views, every seat is close to this wonderful tale that plays out. Occasionally I wondered how much of Van Kampen's text is true or not but is excellently written, even if it is overall unremarkable. The performances are great across the board, especially Rylance who does a reverse Hamlet, going from complete insanity to relative sanity in a believable and sympathetic way, even if some of the actions his character commits are hard to forgive. Melody Grove provides a good counterpart to Rylance's mad king, being strong and steady yet with an admirable heart. Sam Crane plays the other main part in this love triangle, portraying Carlo Broschi aka Farinelli even though he really only plays Carlo. His Farinelli, the showman disguising his fragile state, is exquisitely performed by my favourite ever counter-tenor Iestyn Davies who pierces the air when he sings that the hairs stand on end and you just want to hear more. The counter- tenor is the best voice you can hear and to hear it sung by someone as perfect as Davies is a real treat. The piece has a similar sensibility to Gabriel at the Globe two years ago, mixing song and drama well and for those with tickets to see Purefoy as Farinelli, you will not be dissapointed as he is also a fine singer. What stands out in this ordinary drama is some of the finest singing and acting you will see on the West End or in any Opera house. This is what makes it so joyous.