Chess tells a story of love and political intrigue, set against the background of the Cold War in the late 1970s/early 1980s, in which superpowers attempt to manipulate an international chess championship for political ends. Two of the world’s greatest chess masters, one American, one Russian, are in danger of becoming the pawns of their governments as their battle for the world title gets under way. Simultaneously their lives are thrown into further confusion by a Hungarian refugee, a remarkable woman who becomes the centre of their emotional triangle. This mirrors the heightened passions of the political struggles that threaten to destroy lives and loves.

​

Music by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus

Book & Lyrics by Tim Rice

​

Director Bruce Guthrie

Choreographer Ben Hartley

Music Director Nathan Feeney & George Jackson

Set and Projection Designer Andrzej Goulding

Lighting Designer Rob Halliday & Imogen Clarke

Costume Designer Sophia Pardon
Sound Designer Mike Walker @ Loh Humm Audio Sound Design

Make-up Designer Casey Martin

Props by William Edwards​​