'Very special' - Michael Sheen and Callum Scott Howells lead West End show

Michael Sheen and It's a Sin star Callum Scott Howells will lead a major West End run - the first for a Welsh national theatre company.

Amadeus, written by Peter Shaffer, is set to open at the New Theatre in Cardiff in March next year, before transferring to London the following month as part of Welsh National Theatre's 2027/28 programme.

Sheen will reprise his role as composer Antonio Salieri opposite Howells as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Sheen, the Welsh National Theatre's artistic director, called it a "full-circle moment" and described the West End move as "an important next step".

The story, set in 1820 Vienna, follows Salieri, a respected court composer, who becomes obsessed with Mozart's genius and is consumed by jealousy, beginning a dangerous campaign to destroy the man he both worships and despises.

Sheen first played Mozart in the late 1990s to major acclaim in London and on Broadway, before later taking on the role of Salieri in a production at Sydney Opera House, making him the first major star to play both lead roles.

Amadeus, directed by Jeremy Herrin, also marks Howells' return to the West End after Cabaret in 2022-23.

Sheen said: "To play Salieri opposite a fellow Welshman as Mozart - a role that has meant so much to me - feels very special indeed.

"I directed Callum in my television drama The Way - he's an extraordinary talent who deserves this stage and audiences should be excited for what's to come," he added.

Sheen, born in Port Talbot, is one of Wales' most recognisable stars, having played a host of high-profile roles, including depicting former prime minister Tony Blair, football legend Brian Clough and journalist David Frost.

Howells, from Pontypridd, won the Bafta Cymru for best actor in 2021 for his portrayal of Colin in Channel 4's It's a Sin, while he also stars in Madfabulous, about a wealthy and eccentric 19th Century Welsh aristocrat, which is due for release in June.

The Welsh National Theatre said its full programme for the upcoming year will be revealed in May at an event with Bad Wolf, featuring classics as well as new work.

Its founding chief executive officer, Sharon Gilburd, said it would "bring to life our vision of what an English language national theatre for Wales should be".