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We chat to Michael Ball, Alexandra Burke, Abba and more at Chess opening night

After a 30 year wait, this ’80s set cold war musical returns to the West End

Ben Hewis
London London's West End
Alexandra Burke and Michael Ball
Alexandra Burke and Michael Ball

It may have taken 30 years but Tim Rice, Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus' Chess is back in the West End with an all-star cast including Michael Ball, Alexandra Burke and Cassidy Janson.

We were at London Coliseum for the production's opening night and caught up with the cast and creatives following the show.

The 1984 musical tells the story of two chess champions, Freddie and Anatoly, battling it out in the midst of the Cold War.

In his four-star review for WhatsOnStage, Mark Valencia said: "Chess is back, and it's a matchwinner."

Directed by Laurence Connor (Miss Saigon), the new production features the English National Opera's orchestra and chorus, conducted by John Rigby.

It has choreography by Stephen Mear, with design by Matthew Kinley, lighting by Patrick Woodroffe, video by Terry Scruby, sound by Mick Potter and costume by Christina Cunningham.