Shaffer has used his own superb brand of dramatic licence, to merge fiction with truth in this riveting period drama, based on the extraordinary life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
John Elliot's commanding performance as ambitious court composer and narrator of the piece, Antonio Salieri, reflects both gravitas and wicked humour in the weight of his words.
He makes full use of his wonderfully rich voice and range of expressions to engage with the audience, slipping seamlessly back and forth from youth to old age to recount the dark tale of Mozart's downfall and his part in it.
Is this a confession? A cry for absolution? Is it true that he murdered the gifted young composer?
By working to destroy his rival, Salieri manages to turn Mozart's remarkable musical gift from blessing into damnation - but he has seemingly overlooked one thing. The man may be dead, but he lives on through his music!
Luke Moulding's inspired portrayal captures each facet of the capricious young Mozart's character – and there are many.
He plays with great conviction a whole range of emotions as boyish enthusiasm turns to childish petulance, and abominable rudeness to lust, love, frustration, despair and, finally, fevered madness.
Poppy Rhodes makes the role of Constanze her own and endears the audience from the start.
She injects warmth and energy into the part of the young coquette cavorting riotously with her husband-to-be.
The chemistry between them evolves as Constanze's joie de vivre turns to despondency, and later to tenderness for the sick young genius she loves.
To her credit, Poppy has also assisted Director Brian Cliffe in the production of this play.
The part of the pompous Emperor Joseph II is portrayed with playful humour and easy economy by Paddy McCree, who is always a pleasure to hear and to watch on stage.
Other members of the 16 strong cast all gave sound performances and the whole production was enhanced by some of the most elegant costumes and wigs to grace the stage at Riverhead Theatre, or indeed any other.
Chris Maltman has done an excellent job providing costumes from the Playgoers' own wardrobe department and sourcing various items from professional theatrical costumiers, some of which have graced the stage at the Royal Opera House.
The exquisite wigs are supplied and dressed by professional wig maker Sue Soper, who has provided the same service for many a famous performer during her long career.
In contrast the set is minimal, for dramatic visual impact, and it is further enhanced by the creative use of lighting, carefully chosen props and, of course the glorious music of Mozart.
Performances: 7.30pm Monday March 10 – Saturday March 15 inclusive.
Box Office:01507 600350 Mon – Sat 10am – 1pm
For more information, go to www.louthplaygoers.co.uk.