Amadeus

Amadeus description

This is what happens when talent comes face to face with genuine genius, when devotion morphs into betrayal, and when a mere human challenges god with his awe-inspiring work. It also just happens to be inspired by a true story of fierce rivalry. This revival of the legendary play Amadeus at the Noël Coward Theatre stars two Welsh actors, Michael Sheen as Antonio Salieri and Callum Scott Howells as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and this is the first major revival of Peter Shaffer's iconic story in more than ten years. Directed by Jeremy Herrin, a breathtaking tale of ambition, faith, and the high cost of greatness unfolds on stage. And it's only in town for a limited run.

The action takes place in 1700s Vienna, following the lives of two renowned but very different composers, Antonio Salieri and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Sensible, organised Salieri can't cope with Mozart's brilliance, let alone his recklessness. He becomes pathologically jealous, feeling his whole world has been shattered into pieces by the young musical prodigy who composes beautiful music so effortlessly. Salieri makes plans to sabotage Mozart's career, manipulating those who surround Mozart to bring about his rival's fall.

Playing at Noel Coward Theatre (venue info)