The Independent Recommends: Theatre

FOR A play that milks the contrast between genius and mediocrity, Peter Shaffer's Amadeus is a surprisingly workmanlike resume of professional rivalry turned to murderous hate. Sir Peter Hall's production is highly watchable, nonetheless. David Suchet (below) makes a respectably dastardly Salieri, and Michael Sheen a winning Wolfie.

Old Vic, London SE1 (0171-928 7616) 7.30pm

Nick Grosso confirms the promise and continues the laddy tradition of his two previous plays, Peaches and Sweetheart, with a powerfully sustained anatomisation of the cruelties of male friendship in Real Classy Affair. Nick Moran and Liza Walker are excellent as Stan and Lou, the married couple who flummox their north London drinking partners by setting up a bistro in Streatham.

Royal Court Theatre Upstairs at the Ambassadors, London WC2 (0171-565 5000) 7.45pm