Director and Choreographer : Guy Brigg MBE
Musical Director : Julie Todd

Multi award-winning Musical Youth Company of Oxford were due to produce this iconic and much loved musical at ThePlayhouse in April 2020 but lockdown supervened. Principals and ensemble from the original production have now united with members of the present company to bring a semi-staged version to Oxford.

Considered by many to be one of the best musicals ever written, Chess is a powerful rock opera featuring lyrics by Tim Rice (Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita) and music by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus from ABBA. Its dazzling score features well-known and much-loved hits including I Know Him So Well, One Night in Bangkok and Anthem.

Competitive gamesmanship, super power politics and passionate liaisons combine in a gripping story set against a background of the Cold War. An arrogant American and an earnest Russian meet at a high-stakes international championship in a show full of shadowy intrigue and romantic rivalries.

Chess is a must-see for ABBA fans and musical theatre lovers everywhere.