IT is a brave move for any amateur theatre group to tackle a play as demanding as Amadeus.

Peter Shaffer's acclaimed tale, centred around the jealousy of composer Antonio Salieri towards the young genius of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in 18th century Vienna, is a test for both cast and crew alike.

Yet, the Norbury Players have brought the story to life, justifying their status as the only non-professional group in Europe to be awarded the rights to perform the work in a theatre since their re-release.

Directed by Andy Brown, the production charts Salieri's manipulation of the prodigious Mozart, making a crescendo towards a dramatic and harrowing finale.

It is all underpinned by the quite superb performance of Martin Bourne as Salieri, who is on stage for virtually all of the production's duration.

His evocative, impassioned and raging narrative monologues have the audience captivated, hanging on his every word from start to finish.

He is more than ably supported by Matthew Jeffrey in the title role, who provides an admirable portrayal of an immature yet immensely gifted Mozart, increasingly tormented throughout his life to the point of his death.

Kirsty Bull is down to earth and often heartfelt as his wife Constanze, while there is a strong supporting cast who keep the action moving at pace.

Featuring excellent costumes and played out against the highly emotive soundtrack of some of Mozart's greatest works, Amadeus should be appreciated by all who see it.

This rare production runs at the Friar Street venue from Thursday to Saturday at 7.30pm.

Tickets are £10 and £9, available by calling 01905 770154 or online at norburytheatre.co.uk.