The screenplay adaptation for Amadeus secured an Academy Award for Peter Shaffer in 1985, cementing his reputation as a significant voice in modern drama. A writer who balanced philosophical inquiry with commercial stage success, he produced a diverse body of work that spanned decades, moving from early detective fiction to globally recognized theatrical productions.
Early Development and War Service
Born in 1926 in Liverpool, Shaffer attended the Hall School and St Paul's School before receiving a scholarship to study history at Trinity College, Cambridge. During World War II, he served as a Bevin Boy, working in coal mines. Following the conflict, he moved through various roles, including positions at a bookstore and the New York Public Library, before establishing his career in professional writing.
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Shaffer gained prominence in 1958 with the London production of Five Finger Exercise, which secured an Evening Standard Drama Award. His subsequent work, often developed in service to the National Theatre, demonstrated a range from satirical comedy to heavy drama. Notable productions included the 1964 play The Royal Hunt of the Sun and the 1965 comedy Black Comedy, the latter of which utilized innovative staging techniques to represent darkness.
Major Works and Adaptations
The plays Equus, written in 1973, and Amadeus, written in 1979, remain his most significant contributions to the performing arts, each winning a Tony Award for Best Play. Shaffer personally adapted both for the screen. His later stage work included the 1987 play Lettice and Lovage, written for actress Maggie Smith, which earned a Tony Award for her performance in the lead role.
Professional Honours and Final Years
Shaffer's career was marked by numerous accolades, including a Knight Bachelor and appointment as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire. He was a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and held an honorary doctorate from the University of Bath. He died in 2016 while visiting County Cork, Ireland, and was buried at Highgate Cemetery.
Fast facts
- Born: 1926, Liverpool
- Died: 2016, County Cork
- Education: Trinity College, University of Cambridge
- Notable play: Black Comedy
- Notable award: Academy Award for Best Writing, Adapted Screenplay (1985)
- Honours: Knight Bachelor, Commander of the Order of the British Empire
- Burial site: Highgate Cemetery
Questions readers ask
Did Peter Shaffer write any novels?
Yes, he co-wrote three detective novels with his twin brother, Anthony Shaffer, under the pseudonym Peter Antony.
What was the subject of the play Equus?
It centers on a psychiatrist exploring the psychological motivations of a stableboy who blinded six horses.
Achievements
- Academy Award for Best Writing, Adapted Screenplay — 1985
- Commander of the Order of the British Empire
- Knight Bachelor
- Notable work: Black Comedy
