North West Theatre

Chess

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Lyrics by Tim Rice, music by Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson
26 Oct 10 to 30 Oct 10
The Lowry

Directed by Craig Revel Horwood. The score includes the songs One Night In Bangkok, Pity The Child, Anthem, You And I and I Know Him So Well.

Two of the world's greatest chess masters battle it out at the world chess championships, but their greatest contest is for the love of one woman. Amidst political intrigue and international conspiracies, the American and the Russian fight to win the heart of Florence Vassy in a romantic triangle that mirrors the heightened passions of the Cold War.

...does this latest actor-musician style show work in such big auditoriums? Well not completely... so big on impact that its style and design wouldn’t look out of place from a Lady GaGa or Kylie Minogue Concert... the ensemble... are pushed to their max and give an ensemble performance worthy of any prize... James Foxr... has charm... however his vocals were so underpowered... Shona White... vocal delivery often lacked the subtle tones... Poppy Tierney looked every bit the glamorous leading lady... Daniel Koek as the Russian Champion was splendid... and gives a consummate portrayal... [Craig] Revel Horwood's usually slick direction seems a little misguided... A disappointing night at the theatre...
The Public Reviews (Rating: 3/5)
The songs are sharp and sophisticated... Shona White... has one of the purest singing voices I’ve heard for a long, long time... Contrast that with the rock style voice of James Fox... and you have a winning combination.
Sale and Altrincham Messenger (Rating: 4/5)
The score for the show is quite wonderful... but its problematic book is a hurdle that it can’t seem to get over... the definitive version of the show... [Craig Revel] Horwood’s production is visually striking... [Shona] White is wonderful... Daniel Koek soared... the rest of the cast all delivered knock out performances... The book is still weak... but this striking production more than makes up for those flaws.
What's On Stage (Rating: 4/5)