Michael Sheen and Callum Scott Howells to Lead West End Production of Amadeus

Michael Sheen and Callum Scott Howells will star in Peter Shaffer's Amadeus, marking the first West End run for a Welsh national theatre company. The production opens at the New Theatre in Cardiff in March 2027 before transferring to London in April 2027 as part of Welsh National Theatre's 2027/28 programme. Sheen plays composer Antonio Salieri, a role he previously performed at Sydney Opera House, opposite Howells as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Sheen first played Mozart in the late 1990s in London and on Broadway, making him the first major star to play both leads. The play is directed by Jeremy Herrin. Howells returns to the West End after his role in Cabaret in 2022-23. Sheen, artistic director of Welsh National Theatre, called the West End move an "important next step" for the company, which he founded after National Theatre Wales folded. The story is set in 1820 Vienna and follows Salieri's jealousy of Mozart's genius. Welsh National Theatre's full programme will be announced in May at an event with Bad Wolf. Sharon Gilburd is the founding chief executive officer.