Michael Sheen and Callum Scott Howells are set to star as rival composers Antonio Salieri and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in a new production of Peter Shaffer’s “Amadeus,” marking the first major revival of the work in over a decade and the first time two Welsh actors have taken on the dual roles in the same staging.
Directed by Jeremy Herrin, the production is a co-presentation between Second Half Productions and Welsh National Theatre. It will open at New Theatre Cardiff from March 9–27, 2027, before transferring to the Noël Coward Theatre in London’s West End for a 16-week run from April 17 to Aug. 7, 2027.
The production marks Sheen’s return to the West End for the first time since “Frost/Nixon” in 2006. The multi-award-winning Welsh actor has a particular history with the play: he performed the role of Mozart in the West End and on Broadway in 1998 and 1999, then crossed to the other side of the rivalry to play Salieri at the Sydney Opera House in 2022.
“It’s a full-circle moment for me to return to the West End with Amadeus,” Sheen said. “To play Salieri opposite a fellow Welshman as Mozart – a role that has meant so much to me – feels very special indeed.”
Howells, whose television work includes “It’s a Sin” and a turn in “Cabaret” at the Kit Kat Club and who took home the BAFTA Cymru prize for leading actor, makes his role debut as Mozart. The two previously collaborated on BBC drama “The Way,” which Sheen directed.
“It feels like a dream come true to be playing Mozart in this production next year,” Howells said. “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.”
Herrin comes to the production on the back of two well-received stagings: a new work at the Royal Court and a traveling production of “The Spy Who Came in From the Cold” that is currently making its way around the U.K. The design team includes set designer Bunny Christie, an Olivier Award holder, alongside costume designer Lez Brotherston. Casting is by Sam Jones CDG, with further creative appointments still to come.
The production carries significance for both producing organisations. For Welsh National Theatre – the Swansea-based company that Sheen launched in 2025 and leads as artistic director, working alongside chief executive Sharon Gilburd and literary manager Tim Price – the Noël Coward run will be its first engagement in the West End. For Second Half Productions, it is the company’s first new show since transferring “Every Brilliant Thing” to Broadway. Welsh National Theatre’s debut season has included a touring production of Thornton Wilder’s “Our Town” earlier this year, with the world premiere of “Owain & Henry” scheduled for November 2026.
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