Michael Sheen and Callum Scott Howells to star in Amadeus revival in Cardiff and London

A new production of Peter Shaffer’s Amadeus will be staged in 2027, directed by Jeremy Herrin and starring Michael Sheen and Callum Scott Howells.

The production will open at the New Theatre Cardiff, running from 9 to 27 March, before transferring to the Noël Coward Theatre for a 16-week season from 17 April to 7 August.

Produced by Second Half Productions and Welsh National Theatre, the revival marks the first major staging of the play in over a decade. It also represents Welsh National Theatre’s first West End production and the first show announced by Second Half Productions since their Broadway run of Every Brilliant Thing.

Sheen will play Antonio Salieri, opposite Howells as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The pair previously appeared together in the BBC drama The Way, and this production marks the first time two Welsh actors have taken on the roles in the same staging. Sheen has previously played both roles, appearing as Mozart in the West End and on Broadway in 1998 and 1999, and as Salieri at the Sydney Opera House in 2022.

The creative team includes set designer Bunny Christie, costume designer Lez Brotherston and casting director Sam Jones. Further casting is to be announced.

Set in Vienna in 1820, the play follows Salieri as he recounts his relationship with Mozart, whose extraordinary talent he believes to be divinely given. As admiration turns to jealousy, Salieri becomes consumed by a plan to undermine the composer he both reveres and resents.

Herrin said: “I’m delighted to be working on this legendary and beloved play with such fantastic acting talent. Michael Sheen is a master of the stage: surely one of the world’s best. I can’t wait to see him go toe to toe with Callum Scott Howells who has talent and presence to burn. I’m thrilled that Second Half Productions has the privilege of building the show in Cardiff and bringing Welsh National Theatre’s inspiring work to the West End for the first time.”

Sheen added: “It’s a full-circle moment for me to return to the West End with Amadeus. To play Salieri opposite a fellow Welshman as Mozart -a role that has meant so much to me – feels very special indeed. I directed Callum in my television drama The Way; he’s an extraordinary talent who deserves this stage, and audiences should be excited for what’s to come. To bring this vital new production to both Cardiff and the West End – a first for a Welsh National Theatre – feels like an important next step on our journey.”

Howells concluded: “It feels like a dream come true to be playing Mozart in this production next year. I have wanted to play the role for a very long time so to be given this opportunity to work with Jeremy and Michael to bring this extraordinary world to life feels like a real gift. I’m extremely excited to bring a brand new take on this epic story to the stage in both Cardiff and the West End in 2027.”

Tickets go on general sale at 10am on 24 April, with priority booking opening on 23 April. A total of 15,000 tickets priced at £30 or less will be available across both venues.