Chess

Synopsis

A love story set in the Cold war which centres around the political exploits of the World Chess Championship. With a serious message about media and political manipulation and a dazzling score including One Night in Bangkok, I Know Him So Well.

Our Review:

Scott Purvis - 7 April 2011

Chess has not moved far since it was written as a concept album by ABBA’s Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus and the esteemed lyricist Tim Rice. Craig Revel Horwood’s production pushes the pieces in a refreshing new direction, staging a retrospective concert musical which celebrates the 1980s, its fashions and its fears.

A story of romantic rivalry and Cold War suspicion, Chess sees the US meet the USSR at the 1979 World Chess Championship. Here, two players end up battling for more than victory on a checkerboard.

James Fox plays the arrogant American very well. Similar to Adam Pascal’s turn as Trumper at Chess’s recent concert staging, Fox’s voice has a powerful rock edge which contrasts perfectly with Daniel Koek’s operatic Anatoly. Rousing and impassioned, Koek’s end of act performance of “Anthem” was chilling and one of the most moving vocal performances that I have seen on a Glasgo...

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Latest User Review

oldcolner - 10 April 2011:

Unbelievable production, a multi-talented cast that play at least one instrument each, remember all their music, move round the stage still playing, sing and dance for over two hours topped by some great songs brilliantly sungby the principals. If only the diction was clearer if would have got a five. ...

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