"Chess" by Beeston Musical Theatre Group.

Duchess Theatre, Long Eaton.

It's a mystery why this musical is not performed more often than it is. I last saw an "In Concert" production of "Chess" three years ago in Matlock, and I can't remember when I saw it prior to that, but I have a feeling that it was either at Loughborough Town Hall or Nottingham Arts Theatre; either way, it was quite some time ago, so this is a timely production.

"Chess" is not the easiest of musicals to perform, with the chord changes of Benny Anderson and Bjorn Ulvaeus from Abba and the expertise of Tim Rice, together it sounds exquisite, but I imagine a nightmare for anyone having to perfect these songs, that are more operatic than rock opera. Maybe I have just answered my previous question!

To let you know what the musical is about, in case you didn't know, it is based around a chess game which is politically motivated, but also 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 (Freddie Trumper) and a Soviet grand-master (Anatoly Sergievsky)—and their battle over a woman (Florence Vassy) who manages Freddie and falls in love with Anatoly.

If that wasn't complicated enough, Anatoly's wife has travelled over and there's possible news about Florence's Hungarian father!

 Sara Evans-Bolger (Florence Vassy) really brought out her inner Elaine Paige for this performance. "Nobody's Side" has always been a favourite of mine from "Chess", and nobody can do the song justice like Elaine, well until tonight that was. Sara's duet of "I Know Him So Well" with Brogan Jones (Svetlana Sergievsky - Anatoly's wife) was an absolute dream to experience, their voices blended so beautifully in this slightly re-imagined arrangement. Brogan makes her debut with Beeston Musical Theatre Group.

The two chess players in this show, Craig Arme (Anatoly) and Robert Stott-Marshall (Freddie) certainly matched each other with vocal ability, with    Robert exhibiting a massive range so suited for rock opera, while Craig brought a lovely softer, operatic edge to the songs. 

"Anthem" has always been one of my favourite songs from this musical and Craig's powerful voice was an absolute joy to experience. Rob really brought that pop/rock vibe with the funky "One Night In Bangkok".

What I also liked about the performances from Craig and Robert was how easily they presented their characters. Anatoly as the calmer, more romantic character and Freddie as the petulant, rock-star styled chess superstar who didn't like to lose, who then re-invented himself as a chess influencer/reporter on BMTG TV. These opposites certainly attracted their fair share of applause throughout the night (or should that be "knight"?)

Matt McAuley (The Arbiter) is another whose vocals were well suited to this kind of musical, his enunciation of every word hammered home his power and intent over the game and made sure we heard every single word that he sang.

 Rob Charles (Alexander Molokov - Anatoly's second, as well as a secret KGB agent) has a very convincing Russian accent, even when singing; and when he does sing, what a voice Rob has. This is a role like no other, and I have seen Rob in many roles over the years. His vocal performance in this production is possibly the best I have heard him give. "The Soviet Machine" shows the fun vocally Rob is having as Molokov.

Bobby Hughes (Walter De Courcey - Trumper's equivalent to Molokov) also has one heck of a voice, and gets to show it off in his first principal role for Beeston Musical Theatre Group. Bobby also presented Walter as quite a sly character, but not quite as forceful as Molokov.

There's also a fantastic ensemble to flesh out that choristic sound to the production. Arran Mackay, Ruth Maddison, Ben Sherwin, Joseph Straw, Christine Walton, William Howarth, Arden-Caspar Jennison, Thomas Judt, Elsa Kitching, Emma, Maria Lawrence, David Artiss, El Brown, Jane Cottee, Maisie Cutts, Sarah Dunbavand and Sam Howard.

Co-Directed and Co-Directed by Matt Powell and Abi Stott-Marshall, the dream duo who have reimagined this musical in a very modern way, using live camera work to bring the feel of watching the story unfold as if viewing through a TV channel. The live camera operation is thanks to Sarah Dunbavand and Ben Sherwin. The video design is by Matt Powell, and operated by Adam Guest, and the set design is also by Matt and Abi.

Maybe because it has been so long since I last saw a production of "Chess", I found much more comedy in the production that I could remember, therefore alleviating what would have been quite a serious and political cold war musical.

The specialist costumes for "Chess" are thanks to Mina Holtom.

The MDs for this show are Dave Whittle and Ben Ward. Harmony, in however many parts you wanted, was boundless in this musical, it's like I had discovered surround sound for the first time. I touched on the soundtrack earlier, but when it contains such hits as "I Know Him So Well", "One Night In Bangkok" - lyrically such a brilliantly clever song, "Nobody's Side" - all chart hits - as well such beautiful musical theatre songs as "Anthem" and "Heaven Help My Heart", this really is an evening full of joy, as well as political intrigue.

Lighting is by Rachel Elphick and sound is by Dave Dallard, and what I really liked was that the volume was ramped up, giving the show a real rock opera type feel about the whole show. Dave Martin, who is sharing the lighting schedule, has obviously shared his knowledge and skill of lighting well as Rachel did a great job.

Stage managed smoothly by the Queen of stage management, Katie Bird and the backstage crew consist of Evie-May Evans, Mina Holtom and Damon Pipes.

And one final area that I have been told not to forget to mention is the Front Of House team, who are always ready to help and are all so lovely and friendly - thanks for all the hugs, and the reminder to mention how lovely the Front Of House Crew are.

"Chess" is at the Duchess Theatre, Long Eaton until Saturday 31 May. It's where you want to be!

Beeston Musical Theatre Group are helping to raise funds throughout this production for  The Adam Barry Foundation, a local charity set up by Beverley and Peter Barry in the name of their son who lost his life at the age of fifteen years old. The aim of the foundation is to raise funds to help put smiles back on the faces of those who have endured loss and bereavement, and to ensure support within musical education, events and activities.