The Sprout

Chess @ The New Theatre

Postiwyd gan Tom_Bevan o Caerdydd - Cyhoeddwyd ar 04/11/2010 am 08:55
3 sylwadau » - Tagiwyd fel Cerddoriaeth, Llwyfan

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Cardiff lad James Fox stars in the visually spectacular Chess, the New Theatre’s resident show this week.

The most ambitiously staged show I’ve seen since the breath-taking Cabaret, this wonderfully produced musical is a feast for the eyes, with stylised costumes and excellent use of a ‘floor-screen’ (not a technical term), reminiscent of a chess board, on which most of the action played out.

I have to admit to being extremely tired whilst in attendance to this performance and this, combined with a host of inaudible singing - at one point, the only part of the song I could catch was "What are you saying?”, which seemed ironically apt meant that a lot of the story was lost. The problem was the volume of the instrumentation (a bit more technical) which, although fabulous - each Chess ‘piece’ played their own instrument, and could sing and dance to boot - often overpowered the singers, who were all very strong. A matter for sound man p’haps?

Anyhow, directed and choreographed by Strictly Come Dancing Judge Craig Revel Horwood, whose influence was clear in the epic dance routines, the story goes as so:

“Two of the world's greatest chess masters (played brilliantly by James Fox and Daniel Koek) 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 (Elaine Paige-esque Shona White) in a romantic triangle that mirrors the heightened passions of the Cold War all set to an explosive score by the composers of Mamma Mia and the lyricist of Jesus Christ Superstar and Evita (Bjrn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson out of Abba and Tim Rice).” Larvely!

There we have it. With chart topping hit I Know Him So Well a favourite amongst the once again packed New Theatre, and the cast receiving standing ovations from sections of the audience, Chess opened successfully and spectacularly despite the sound setbacks. It’s sold out for the rest of the week, but again 029 2087 8889 is your hotline for tickets if any free up.

Have you seen the show and want to share your opinion? Comment below if you’re up to it

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