Isnt he, too, like a forgetful goldfish in a bowl, constantly observed?)

to provide anything of real emotional weight.

It seemed nearly every time Farinelli performed, Rylance was, infuriatingly, off stage.

Rylance in Farinelli and the King (c) Joan Marcus 0015

Credit: Joan Marcus

The show might have more accurately been titledFarinelli and the Ill-Timed Costume Change.

ButFarinelli and the Kingis all dazzle and no depth.

Davies Rylance Garbiya Grove Farinelli (c) Joan Marcus 0128

Joan Marcus