Amadeus | Preview (Sky Atlantic)

Starring Will Sharpe (Giri/Haji, The White Lotus) as musical prodigy Wolfgang ‘Amadeus’ Mozart, Paul Bettany (WandaVision, A Very British Scandal) as envious court composer Antonio Salieri, and Gabrielle Creevy (In My Skin, Black Doves) as Constanze Weber, Mozart’s fiercely loyal wife.

Based on Peter Shaffer’s award-winning stage play and boldly adapted by Joe Barton (Black Doves, Giri/Haji, The Lazarus Project), this spectacular five-part reimagination explores the meteoric rise and mythic downfall of one of history’s most iconic composers — and rockstar virtuoso of the 18th century, Wolfgang ‘Amadeus’ Mozart.

When twenty-five-year-old Amadeus arrives in bustling 18th Century Vienna, no longer a child prodigy and craving creative freedom, his world collides with two pivotal figures: his fiercely loyal future wife, Constanze Weber, and devoutly religious court composer, Antonio Salieri.

As Amadeus’ brilliance continues to flourish in spite of his personal demons, a questionable reputation and scepticism from the conservative court, Salieri becomes increasingly tormented by this apparent divine gift. Amadeus is a threat to all that he holds dear in life: his talent, his reputation, even his faith in God. Salieri vows to bring him down.

What begins as professional rivalry turns into a deeply personal obsession spanning 30 years, culminating in a murder confession and a desperate attempt to entwine himself with Mozart’s legacy forever.

Amadeus begins Sunday 21st December on Sky Atlantic.