Chess (Tour – Birmingham)

Chess has always proven to be theatrical Marmite, you either love it or you hate it. Never has this been more appropriate than in regards to Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood’s current touring revamp of this seemingly immortal musical.

Equipped with an impressive use of video projection on both two large sliding screens and on the stage floor, the contemporary purpose of the production is undeniable and the director’s intentions to bring the show to a new audience are undeniable. By employing these new aspects of design accompanied by an actor/musician ensemble Revel Horwood has done well to achieve this, however, the performance does also alienate its older fans through its strong sexual undertones throughout.

This is now a much sexed up show, laced with leathers and metal studs which does work for the most part but at points becomes excessive- especially during the number ‘One Night in Bangkok’ which threatens to make a night in Peter Stringfellow’s seem tame.

What has made this musical so infamous, of course, is its music and some of the most striking of numbers, ‘Anthem’ and ‘Nobody’s Side’ in particular, are show-stoppingly executed. A strong cast of experienced and talented performers help bring the four protagonists to life with attack on the demanding vocals and the large amount of stage time that this show demands.

The mine field of a plot line proves to be both interesting and mind numbingly boring at times, weaving the game of chess, the cold war and its politics plus the lives of its four main characters into one.

I am personally on the fence in regards to both the musical itself and this particular production, but I am sure many more will be left divided.

Ben Wooldridge