Rita Carpenter went along to watch Amadeus by Fourways Theatre Company and The Garden Players. Here, she reviews the performance:

The production by Fourways Theatre group and The Garden Players, from the pen of Peter Shaffer, depicts the supposed competition and jealousy between court musician Salieri and the musical prodigy Mozart.

This was not an easy play to stage, but Fourways has never been shy of taking on challenges. The simple set was aided by the screen above the stage onto which was projected various pictures depicting set changes.

This very clever device was used previously, in their production of the Pitmen Painters, to great effect. With a very strong cast this interesting and thought provoking interpretation of the life of Mozart gave contrast to his childlike and vulgar persona and his heavenly music.

Considerable credit must go to director Steve McAdam, who, on the evening I attended, had to take over the role of Salieri as that fine actor Jeff Baynham was suddenly taken ill.

Steve did a superb job and was most convincing with what appeared to be little effort, but must have taken a great deal. Sound and lighting were excellent as always and the music of Mozart flowed throughout the production.

With such a large offering of excellent actors it would be unfair to single out anyone in particular but the principals pulled out all the stops to make their performances impressive.

With some gorgeous costumes and clever staging this will be remembered for some time. The Garden Players will donate the profits from the production to Child Bereavement UK.

Fourways next production is their annual open air Shakespeare Richard III and the Garden Players will be staging a Night’s Dream, do put the dates in your diary as judging by past experience they will be well worth attending.

By Rita Carpenter.