Theatre News

Revel Horwood Revives Chess for Regional Tour

| London's West End |

3 February 2010

A new touring production of Chess will start later this year at the
Newcastle Theatre Royal, directed by Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood.

Chess has a book and lyrics by Tim Rice with
music by Abba’s Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson. Two players in a
World Chess Championship are involved in a romantic triangle with the
woman who manages one and falls in love with the other.

Although the
protagonists were not intended to represent any specific individuals,
the characters’ personalities are loosely based on those of real-life
chess players Victor Korchnoi and Bobby Fischer.

The score includes “One Night In Bangkok”, “Pity The Child”, “Anthem”, “You and I” and “I Know Him

So Well”

The new revival will utilise actor-musicians, in the style of Revel Horwood’s acclaimed productions at the Newbury Watermill. It will open at the Theatre Royal from 27 August to 11 September 2010 prior to a regional tour and a possible West End transfer.

Tony Award winner Sarah Travis is rumoured to be in place as musical supervisor on the project, which has a budget in excess of

£500,000 and is produced by Michael Harrison. Casting is yet to be announced.

– Jane Blagden