Rahel Romahn as Mozart and Michael Sheen as Salieri in Amadeus at Sydney Opera House. Photo: Daniel Boud

This new production of Amadeus is a thorough re-imagining of Peter Shaffer’s hugely successful 1979 play; the stage is deep and sparse, the costumes are a confection, and the performances are emphatic and campy. Acclaimed Welsh actor, Micheal Sheen is a tour de force in the central role of Antonio Salieri, leading a virtuoso team of cast and creatives.  

Amadeus is a collaboration between Sydney Opera House and independent company, Red Line Productions who had been trying for years to get the rights to the show. If you’ve ever attended a play at the Old Fitz Theatre in Darlinghurst, the home of Red Line Productions,  then you’ll appreciate the massive leap from that diminutive 58-seat basement space to the 2,679-seat Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House. 

Michael Sheen as Salieri in Amadeus. Photo Daniel Boud

Bigger isn’t always better, however, and the cavernous size of the auditorium has some downsides. Firstly – and surprisingly, given the much lauded recent renovations – the sound quality is a few notches from perfect. There is a discernable, if subtle, reverb. Then there is the distance and ambience of a large space which makes it difficult not only to clearly see facial expression and finer costume details, but also to feel connected. 

The intimidating…