Farinelli And The King sees Mark Rylance return to Shakespeare’s Globe to play King Philippe V of Spain, a monarch whose insomnia can only be cured by a unique voice.

It’s 1737 and the Spanish king is both constantly awake and depressed. Eager to help her husband, the Queen calls on the world’s most famous castrato, Farinelli to sing for the miserable monarch. When he does, the effect transforms Philippe but has devastating consequences for Farinelli.

Countertenors Iestyn Davies and William Purefoy share the role of Farinelli, with former Shakespeare’s Globe Artistic Director and Olivier Award winner Rylance playing Philippe.