Everything you need to know about Amadeus

All the information you need as Peter Shaffer’s play returns to the West End with Michael Sheen and Callum Scott Howells

Peter Shaffer’s Amadeus is returning to London, with Michael Sheen and Callum Scott Howells starring as Antonio Salieri and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. This tense, gripping story follows two of classical music’s most famous names as they navigate jealousy, obsession and what greatness truly means. Tempted to see it for yourself? Here’s everything you need to know about Amadeus ahead of its arrival in the West End, including information on the cast, the story and the theatre.

What is Amadeus about?

Set in Vienna in the eighteenth century, Amadeus follows composer Antonio Salieri, basking in the status and success that he believes he has earned with years of hard work. However, when prodigy Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart arrives at the court of the Austrian emperor, his pleasant world is disturbed. Mozart is vulgar, posturing, and yet brilliant. Salieri believes that a gift like Mozart’s can only come from God himself – and that God has made a mistake in his selection.

With this contradiction eating at him, Salieri’s obsession grows dangerous, until the campaign he embarks on threatens to destroy both men. A shocking confession from Salieri at the beginning of the show gives us some idea where the story may be going, but there are plenty of twists and turns to come.

Who’s starring in Amadeus in the West End?

Amadeus stars Michael Sheen as Salieri and Callum Scott Howells as Mozart.

Sheen is one of the most beloved faces in British TV and film, with his long list of projects including Oscar-winning film The Queen, Good Omens, Staged, 30 Rock, Masters of Sex, and the Twilight franchise. His theatre credits include Hamlet, Under Milk Wood and Frost/Nixon. He was also recently seen in the second series of Celebrity Traitors. Interestingly, the actor has previously appeared in Amadeus as both Mozart and Salieri.

Scott Howells had his breakout with Russell T Davies drama It’s A Sin, for which he won a Bafta. His film and TV projects include The Beautiful Game, Madfabulous, The Way and Deadpoint. On stage, he has previously appeared in productions of A View From The Bridge, Ghosts, She Loves Me and Cabaret as the Emcee.

Which theatre will Amadeus play at?

Amadeus will appear at the Noël Coward Theatre on St Martin’s Lane, in the heart of London’s West End.

When will it come to London?

Amadeus is currently booking from 17 April to 7 August 2027.

Who wrote Amadeus?

The writer of Amadeus is acclaimed British playwright and screenwriter Peter Shaffer, who penned the play in 1979. It had its premiere at London’s National Theatre in a production directed by Peter Hall, before transferring to Broadway in 1980. The original West End production starred Paul Scofield, Simon Callow and Felicity Kendal, whilst the Broadway transfer saw Ian McKellen, Tim Curry and Jane Seymour star. The show was last performed in London in 2017 at the National Theatre.

Shaffer is also the writer of Equus, a revival production of which is currently playing at the Menier Chocolate Factory). His other works include The Royal Hunt of the Sun, Black Comedy, and Lettice and Lovage.

Has it won any awards?

Back when it premiered, Amadeus won a Tony Award, a Drama Desk Award and an Evening Standard Theatre Award. Shaffer’s screenplay for the film version also won him a Golden Globe and an Oscar.

The Broadway production also saw Ian McKellen win a Tony for Best Leading Actor in a Play, with Peter Hall winning for Best Direction. The show also secured Tony Awards for Best Scenic Design, and Best Lighting Design.

Who’s on the creative team for Amadeus?

Amadeus is directed by Olivier Award winner Jeremy Herrin (People, Places and Things, Wolf Hall, The Spy Who Came in From the Cold). Set design is by Bunny Christie (The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time), with costume design by Lez Brotherston (Oliver!).

Why should I see it?

Talent versus genius, reverence versus jealousy, and man versus God – do you need more compelling stakes than that? Multi-award-winning, highly celebrated and starring some of the best British acting talent out there, Amadeus is set to be an electrifying night at the theatre, and a celebration of some of the greatest music ever written.