“Chess” People’s Theatre Company
Nottingham Arts Theatre

What could possibly be interesting about a musical about politics and the game of chess? Well this is a musical which is based around a chess board and may be politically motivated, but this is also a musical about falling in love, as I’m sure you’ll find out by coming to check it out, mate.

The story involves a politically driven, Cold War–era chess tournament between two men—an American grand-master and a Soviet grand-master—and their battle over a woman who manages one and falls in love with the other.

Written by Benny and Bjorn from Abba with Tim Rice adding lyrics you are guaranteed on an amazingly good soundtrack. But a soundtrack that is intricate in its' composition and not easy to sing, which is why it's not performed that often, especially by local theatre groups.

Several of the songs you will already know as “Nobody’s Side” was a minor chart hit for Elaine Paige, “One Night In Bangkok” was a massive hit for Murray Head and “I Know Him So Well” went to number one for Barbara Dickson and Elaine Paige”. But the cherry on the cake with this soundtrack is the gorgeous “Anthem” and the powerful and emotive "Pity The Child"

Directed, and Musically Directed by Meng Khaw, who knows the ins and outs of this musical as last year played The Arbiter at Loughborough. It looks like he created a whole new opening for this show, one that I'd not seen before and really enjoyed.

Meng has also taken the lead from Tim Rice's notes about being able to change the order of the songs and decided not to open the second act with "One Night In Bangkok", instead moving it slightly later in Act Two.

The orchestra were powerful and just when you thought they were about to overpower the singers, they reigned it back in, complementing the rock opera feel of the show. A great sound mix by Rob Kettridge.

Playing that part here is John Gill. Now this I think is the first time that I have actually heard John sing like this and it really suits his voice. A pleasant surprise.

Another big surprise was hearing Christopher Collins sing. He is not known for his singing and he has shied away from featured singing roles, but after tonight, Chris, I think you need to start auditioning for more musicals This man has hid his singing voice under a bushel for far too long, and it's about time it was released as it was tonight. A real eye-opener vocal wise and a very believable Russian accent.

Kate Taylor plays Florence Vassy, the woman who is Trumper's right hand woman, and then falls for his rival, the Russian Sergievsky. What a voice this woman has, and she has the power. Hearing her sing "Nobody's Side" gave me tingles up my spine and would give Ms Paige a run for her money. Plus her duet with Anatoly's wife, Svetlana, "I Know Him So Well" was magical.

Playing Svetlana Sergievskaya is Zosia Kuczynska. Another cracker of a vocalist and an excellent match for Kate, which is why the duet works so well.

Walter de Courcey is the Head of an American TV corporation and a member of the American delegation, and is played by Curtis Taylor-Tipton. I've seen Curtis many times in musicals so know what a lovely range and tone this man has to his voice,He effortlessly performs his songs.

Playing The American chess player, Freddie Trumper is one man who has a wonderful rock voice, and shows it off to splendid affect in the song “Pity the Child”, Sam Barson. Not only has this man clarity in his vocals he has the power as well as the passion. His look is modern and fits the part of the power hungry American.

Trumper’s rival, the Russian counterpart in the tournament and the musical, Anatoly Sergievskaya, is played by Rob Goll. Rob has always said that he is no singer but after his singing in last year’s PTC panto, which surprised me in a good way, it was with anticipation that I awaited Rob’s vocals, especially as he was singing “Anthem” which is not a song to be performed halfheartedly. He threw every ounce of emotion into it and also gave me tingles up my spine.

Rob can sing, but this role I feel is just a bit too full on, vocal wise for him. At times his voice was spot on but there were times when he was stretching himself. What does not help is that Rob is surrounded by some powerful singers. I know that Rob was nervous about this singing role, and I know Rob puts everything into what he does, and I totally applaud him for stepping out of his comfort zone with this part. He's still in my eyes one of Nottingham's best classic actors, and I still think he did a credible job here.

The ensemble is full of well recognised faces from local stages, and a few new faces as well as a few faces who are returning to the local theatre arena.T start with I was not sure that the ensemble needed to be the size it was but when they all came together for "Endgame", the sound they produced was heavenly.

Loved the set design by Cris Brawn, which was simple, which is what this musical calls for as it gives the cast and music the full focus. The screened back drop allowed for the scene settings to be projected, which is something fairly new for PTC and it also worked well.

Over the past few weeks I’ve bumped into and spoken to several of the cast members and they have a real excitement about this musical. An excitement that I, for one have not seen in a cast for a while. Now if they are excited for the show, this tells me that the show was going to be an absolute cracker. Well their excitement was well founded and the show IS a real cracker.

This musical isn't going to be to everyone's liking, and I applaud PC for taking a chance. personally I love the story and the wonderful soundtrack with all of it's wonderful, intricate arrangements. the sort you'd expect from the writers of Abba's hits and some of the best rock operas ever, Tim Rice.

So go on, make a move and take a chance on this musical.

“Chess” is at the Nottingham Arts Theatre until Saturday 7 July 2018.