Amadeus

Totally withdrawn for performances by amateurs for a number of years Director Andy Brown and the whole company can rightly feel proud that they managed to secure the rights to bring this powerful and dramatic play to the stage. It is a splendid drama that presented challenges on many fronts that were comprehensively met at every level.

The eloquent writing from Peter Shaffer required the whole cast to stretch to the limits their acting and stagecraft ability which they did in the most accomplished manner.

Addressing the audience centre stage in a wheel chair, Martin Bourne in the pivotal role of Court Composer “Antonio Salieri” gave a titanic performance of gargantuan proportions as a frail old man, ravaged by the toxic effects of bitterness and envy. Passionately and with true conviction reflecting on the past, contemplating the future amidst guilt and jealousy, Bourne was brilliant throughout hardly ever leaving the stage. Both as an old man and the sophisticated young composer to the “Emperor Joseph II” ably played by Steve Willis, he was captivating.

Matthew Jeffrey gave a highly accomplished performance as “Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart” with equal measure of irreverence and a sense of the ridiculous. The young prodigy’s eventual demise movingly played portraying superbly the transformation from a life of insanity and frivolity to one of sickness and poverty. Playing the role of “Constanze Weber” Kirsty Bull in her first play gave an admirable performance and can take pride in the contribution to this drama.

James Cowlishaw as “Count Orsini-Rosenberg” gave an assured performance as did all the principal line up including notable contributions with much polish from Steve Carley and Ian Thompson as “Venticello 1 & 2” respectively. Great spontaneity from these 2 key characters. All on stage produced performances of strength and character though greater levels of stage projection and more realistic accents from players in the minor roles would have reflected more the 18th century setting in Vienna.

Costumes were magnificent in colour and quality and the wondrous Mozart music a reminder of the musical creativity of this genius, unique and complex composer,  whose music is adored by millions.

The real triumph of this production must be credited to the whole company for their fortitude, talent and mastery in getting to the heart of Peter Shaffer’s hugely demanding script. This was an evening of rich entertainment, which sadly did not quite manage to attract capacity audiences. For those who missed the opportunity to experience Amadeus It was their loss in missing a theatrical classic.

Ian G Cox

Regional Representative - Worcestershire East (District 12)

NODA – Be Inspired by Amateur Theatre

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