"Our Mozart is like Adam Ant," says Mark Wilson, director of a new production of Amadeus which parallels the decadence and flamboyance of the 18th Century with the fashion and music of the Eighties.

"Mozart was very passionate about his work and turned music on its head," he explains. "So think Vivienne Westwood and Queen."

An embellished account of the professional and personal wrangling between Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Viennese court composer Antonio Salieri, Peter Shaffer's Amadeus has proved immensely popular, both as a stage play and as the 1984 film starring Tom Hulce.

Retelling the life story of one of the most revered classical composers, it is also a compelling study of jealousy, betrayal and one man's slow descent into insanity, as Salieri, recognising Mozart's genius, torments himself that God should have chosen such a "vulgar brat" as his instrument.

Wilson, whose own play recently aired on Radio 4, began working with the community theatre four years ago. But, in their final production of the season, the New Venture Theatre hope to confound expectations as they invite the audience to get up close and personal.

"It is very unpredictable and pacey," says Wilson, "and the audience is never quite sure where the actors will move. You can spend the evening as close to or as far from the action as you want, to experience being with the characters in their world."

This is a promenade production but there will be some limited seating available.

No performance on Monday, July 18. starts 7.45pm, except Sunday when the play starts at 2.30pm. Tickets £6-£8.50, call 01273 746118.