According to reports in the US, a deal is imminent for the show, written by Peter Shaffer, to open in Los Angeles in October, before transferring to New York in December.

The play tells the story of how rival composer Antonio Saleri plots and schemes against Mozart. It ran last year at the Old Vic in London, but despite warm reviews, it was not a hit and made a loss.

The show's two leads, Poirot star David Suchet (Salieri) and Michael Sheen (Mozart), will also join Sir Peter in the US under a deal with Actors' Equity, according to trade newspaper Variety.

The film of the original stage production, directed by Milos Forman, won eight Oscars in 1985.

Sir Peter Hall announced in February he was leaving the UK after the Arts Council of England refused to give him a £500,000 grant to continue his work at the Old Vic.