The Other Mozart

The forgotten story of Amadeus' genius sister, who performed alongside him to equal acclaim. Set in a stunning 18-foot dress, this multi award-winning production ushers you into a world of opulence and delight - obscured by restriction and prejudice. Inspired by the Mozart family's hilarious and heartbreaking letters, Nannerl Mozart finally tells her story.

Walking into the theatre for feels less like taking your seat and more like stepping into history wrapped in couture. The set is dominated by a massive flowing dress that looks like it could double as both a stage and a small Airbnb. Scattered with pages of sheet music and notes, it’s a minimalist yet ingenious design. As the story unfolds, that dress reveals secret compartments stuffed with props—think Mary Poppins but with a sharper sense of period drama. Simple? Yes. Effective? Absolutely. Gorgeous? Without a doubt.

The direction is where this show really soars. Every movement balances poise and elegance with just the right touch of raw, unfiltered emotion. Nothing feels forced or showy—it’s the kind of subtlety that sneaks up on you and suddenly has you holding your breath without realizing.

Sound design deserves a shoutout too. For the most part, it’s haunting and atmospheric, perfectly weaving the story together. That said, there were one or two moments where the music drowned out the actress. A couple of the more elaborate soundscapes also risked stealing focus from the performance. Still, the compositions themselves? Gorgeous. Delicate yet passionate, like the sibling rivalry we never really got to see in the history books.

Lighting design? Also stunning. The use of the birdies in particular was breathtaking, transforming the stage into a moving canvas. A recurring purple wash gave everything a rich, dreamlike atmosphere without ever feeling heavy-handed. Honestly, it felt less like lighting and more like painting with photons.

Hair and costume design nailed the period vibe while still feeling fresh. The towering hairstyle alone deserves its own standing ovation for surviving the performance without collapsing. And that dress (yes, the set/dress hybrid again)—a leather-like bodice atop endless ruffled fabric—was a masterclass in visual storytelling. It wasn’t just worn; it was lived in.

But the true crown jewel is the script. It’s sharp, layered, and unflinchingly honest about the joys and tragedies of Nannerl Mozart’s life. It’s peppered with historical references but never feels weighed down by them. One moment you’re laughing at a witty aside, the next you’re quietly devastated, and before you know it, you’re marveling at how much of this woman’s story has been overlooked. It’s history with a pulse—and it resonates deeply.

The Other Mozart is more than a play—it’s an excavation of a forgotten voice that deserved the spotlight centuries ago. A breathtaking production with just a few tiny sound hiccups, but overall one of the most captivating and moving shows I’ve seen at the Fringe.