Sky confirms release date for new drama Amadeus with 'spectacular' first trailer

Sky has unveiled its first glimpse of its most anticipated December release, Amadeus.

Reimagined by Black Doves and Giri/Haji writer Joe Barton from Peter Shaffer's acclaimed play, the five-part drama series vows to inject fresh energy into the legendary musical feud.

This second screen version of the celebrated stage production, following Milos Forman's cherished 1984 film, features Too Much and The White Lotus actor Will Sharpe in the lead role as Wolfgang 'Amadeus' Mozart.

Observing his "meteoric rise and mythic downfall" is the "envious court composer" Antonio Salieri, portrayed by renowned British actor Paul Bettany.

Gabrielle Creevy (The Guest, In My Skin) and Rory Kinnear (Skyfall, The Diplomat) also feature in the sweeping period drama as Mozart's spouse Constanze Weber and Emperor Joseph, respectively, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Alongside the teaser comes confirmation that the production will debut on both Sky and NOW this December.

A precise launch date remains unannounced, but Amadeus is already emerging as essential viewing for the festive period.

Sky bills the production as a "spectacular five-part reimagination" of Shaffer's prize-winning theatrical work.

An extensive synopsis states: "When twenty-five-year-old Amadeus 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, and devoutly religious court composer, Antonio Salieri.

"As Amadeus' brilliance continues to flourish in spite of his personal demons, a questionable reputation and scepticism 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."

The star-studded supporting cast includes Lucy Cohu (Becoming Jane) as Cecilia Weber, Jonathan Aris (The Sixth Commandment) as Leopold Mozart, Enyi Okoronkwo (Renegade Nell, The Lazarus Project) as Da Ponte, Jessica Alexander (The Little Mermaid) as Katerina and Hugh Sachs (Bridgerton) as Von Strack.

Additional cast members include Paul Bazely as Von Swieten, Rupert Vansittart as Rosenberg, Anastasia Martin as Aloysia Weber, Nancy Farino as Josepha Weber, Olivia-Mai Barrett as Sophie Weber, Viola Prettejohn as Princess Elizabeth and Jyuddah Jaymes as Franz Sussmayr.

Amadeus will be released this December on Sky and NOW.