One of the most anticipated screened plays in our OnScreen series is only a couple of weeks away, with Peter Shaffer’s multi-award winning play ‘Amadeus’ showing at the Manning Entertainment Centre on Tuesday May 9 at 10am and 7pm. 

Lucian Msamati (Luther, Game of Thrones, NT Live: The Comedy of Errors) plays Salieri in Shaffer’s iconic play, captured live from the National Theatre, and with orchestral accompaniment by Southbank Sinfonia. 

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, a rowdy young prodigy, arrives in Vienna, the music capital of the world – and he’s determined to make a splash.

Awestruck by his genius, court composer Antonio Salieri has the power to promote his talent or destroy his name.

Seized by obsessive jealousy he begins a war with Mozart, with music, and ultimately, with God.

Peter Shaffer’s iconic play had its premiere at the National Theatre in 1979, winning multiple Olivier and Tony awards before being adapted into an Academy Award-winning film. 

In this new production, directed by Michael Longhurst (Constellations, The World of Extreme Happiness), Lucian Msamati (Ma Rainey's Black Bottom) plays Salieri – with live orchestral accompaniment by Southbank Sinfonia.  

After winning multiple Olivier and Tony Awards when it had its premiere at the National Theatre in 1979, Amadeus was adapted into an Academy Award-winning film. 

"Epic. Wonderful. A stupendous revival," Time Out.  "A note-perfect production. Fresh, vital and musically inventive," Daily Telegraph. "A thrillingly fresh and imaginative revival. Adam Gillen delivers a most moving portrayal of Mozart," Independent

Eisteddfod turns 50!

The Taree and District Eisteddfod has begun and it heralds that time of year when we are besieged with talented youngsters and their cheer squads as they vie for awards and trophies. 

I have been treated to entrants rehearsing some rather beautiful opera arias outside my office window over the past day or two, and it’s been a calming and quite therapeutic soundtrack to my days. 

This year is particularly special as it’s the 50th anniversary, and quite a milestone considering how much voluntary labour goes into making it run smoothly each year. 

There’ll be sequins aplenty and more than a touch of hairspray and nervous energy in the air, and don’t forget that sessions are open for the general public to attend. 

If you would like more information on sessions you can head to the website at tareeeisteddfod.com.au, or phone 6552 3776. 

Good luck to all competing this year, and congratulations Taree and District Eisteddfod on 50 great years!