25-year-old Wolfgang "Amadeus" Mozart (Sharpe) 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 (Creevy), and devoutly religious court composer, Antonio Salieri (Bettany). As Amadeus' brilliance continues to flourish in spite of his personal demons, a questionable reputation and skepticism 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.
In addition to Sharpe, Bettany and Creevy, the limited series stars Rory Kinnear, Lucy Cohu, Jonathan Aris, Ényì Okoronkwo, Jessica Alexander, Hugh Sachs, Paul Bazely, Rupert Vansittart, Anastasia Martin, Nancy Farino, Olivia-Mai Barrett, Viola Prettejohn and Jyuddah Jaymes.
Joe Barton developed the series based on the 1979 play by Peter Shaffer. He executive produces with Sharpe, Bettany, John Griffin, Megan Spanjian, Michael Jackson, Stephen Wright and director Julian Farino. Alice Seabright serves as a co-executive producer. Sky Studios and Two Cities Television produce.
"Amadeus is a perfect fit for our original series lineup - a bold, character-driven reimagining of one of history's most intoxicating rivalries," said Alison Hoffman, President, Starz Networks. "With Will Sharpe, Paul Bettany and Gabrielle Creevy leading an extraordinary ensemble, the series captures the passion, envy, and genius at the heart of Mozart's world. Audiences continue to be drawn to Starz because of the power of our premium period dramas, and Amadeus delivers that in spectacular form."
