‘Equus’ and ‘Amadeus’ playwright Peter Shaffer dies at 90

Peter Shaffer, who wrote the plays Amadeus (which he later adapted into an Oscar-winning film) and Equus (also adapted into a film), has died at the age of 90.

A statement from theatrical and literary agency Macnaughton Lord Representation said: “It is with great sorrow that we must announce the death of our friend and client, Sir Peter Shaffer CBE whilst on a visit to Ireland with friends and family”.

Sir Peter won a best adapted screenplay Oscar for Amadeus, his play about the life of Mozart seen through the eyes of bitter rival, composer Salieri. It started as a stage play in London’s West End, eventually transferring to Broadway with the starry line-up of Tim Curry, Ian McKellen, and Jane Seymour.

The playwright and screenwriter Sir Peter Shaffer has died aged 90.

The National Theatre, which was already planning a revival of Amadeus and presented the world premieres of much of Shaffer’s work, described him as “an extraordinary writer”. She was honoured with the Tony Award for Best Actress in 1990.

Actor Julian Richings, 59, of Orphan Black fame, said of the Liverpool-born writer: “RIP Equus / Amadeus playwright Peter Shaffer”.

Shaffer was visiting Ireland when he died. The play moved to Broadway in December of 1980 and went on to win the Tony for Best Play and, like Equus, ran in NY for almost three years.

Rufus Norris, Director of the National Theatre, expressed sadness at the news.

Shaffer wrote at least 18 plays including Amadeus, Equus and The Royal Hunt of the Sun, the last of which was the first show produced by the UK’s National Theatre company in 1964. In 1947, Peter Shaffer won a scholarship to Trinity College, Cambridge, where he studied history.

Equus, Shaffer’s 1973 play of a psychiatrist’s attempt to treat a young man obsessively fascinated with horses, was another major stage hit – revived in 2007 with Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe in his first big role in theatre – which became a successful film. Amadeus opened in 1979 in London and 1980 in NY.

Shaffer is survived by a brother, two nephews, and two nieces.

A private funeral will take place in London, with a memorial service to be arranged.