SkyShowtime Launches Mozart-Salieri Miniseries Amadeus

SkyShowtime launches the British miniseries *Amadeus* today, offering a fresh take on the legend surrounding Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and his fraught rivalry with fellow composer Antonio Salieri.

The production draws from Peter Shaffer's classic play but expands the narrative to delve deeper into the protagonists' personal, artistic, and moral conflicts through a modern lens. Created by Julian Farino and Joe Barton, the series shifts its focus to Salieri, a respected musician firmly established at the court of Emperor Joseph II. He watches in equal parts fascination and envy as the young Mozart arrives, bursting with prodigious talent and a provocative personality.

The story hinges on the stark contrast between Salieri's discipline, order, and faith, and Mozart's irreverence, prompting reflections on ambition and jealousy.

Will Sharpe leads the cast as the Salzburg genius, with Paul Bettany portraying Salieri. Gabrielle Creevy plays Constanze Weber, Mozart's wife and a pivotal figure in both his personal life and creative circle.

Set against a meticulously recreated historical backdrop, the miniseries shines in its art direction, costumes, and Viennese court locations. Mozart's music serves as a central narrative thread.

Shaffer's play was previously adapted into a celebrated 1984 film by Milos Forman, which garnered international acclaim and became a cultural touchstone. This television version avoids direct imitation, instead leveraging the series format to probe the characters' complexities in greater depth.