EODS OPERATIC SECTION
2006
Chess by Tim Rice, Benny Anderson & Björn Ulvaeus
Written by Tim Rice (who also penned Jesus Christ Superstar and Evita, to name but two) and Benny and Björn (from the legendary pop group ABBA).
Set at the height of the cold war, the show follows the fortunes of the Russian chess player Anatoly Sergievsky as he challenges the American Freddie Trumper in a bitter East meets West battle. But, to be honest, the sedate game of Chess is really only a metaphor in this lively and dynamic show, as it is the players and their loved ones that prove to be the pawns in political games over which they have no control.
Packed with a wealth of memorable songs (some of which became hits in their own right), the show really shows off the writer′s range and talent. In the 1980′s One Night In Bangkok was number one in the hit parade in some eleven countries worldwide, whilst Elaine Page and Barbara Dickson′s version of I Know Him So Well rode high in the UK charts for over five weeks.
The cold war might be over, but the music, fashion and energy of the time live on in this great modern musical.Cast list
Florence — Clare Robinson
Svetlana — Nikki Leach
Fredrick — Steve Clarke
Anatoly — Danny Pearce
Arbiter — Nathan Potter
Molokov — Keith Smith
Walter — Nick Reynolds
