Chess the Musical

The Cold War musical conceived by Tim Rice with ABBA duo Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus.

COMING TO THE CIVIC THEATRE NEWCASTLE IN A LAVISH NEW STAGING STARING DAVID HARRIS AND SILVIE PALADINO.

The worldwide stage hit CHESS: THE MUSICAL tells a story of love and political intrigue, set against the background of the Cold War in the late 1970s/early 1980s, where superpowers attempt to manipulate an international chess championship for political ends.

Two of the world’s greatest chess masters, one American, one Russian, are in danger of becoming the pawns of their governments as they battle for the world title. At the same time their lives are thrown into further confusion by a Hungarian refugee, a remarkable woman who becomes the centre of their emotional triangle. Passions rise as their political struggles threaten to destroy lives and loves. Including the international hit singles ‘I Know Him So Well’ and ‘One Night In Bangkok’. Other hit songs from the score include ‘Anthem’, ‘Someone Else’s Story’, ‘Heaven Help my Heart’ and ‘Pity The Child’.

The nuclear superpower alliance of ABBA songwriters Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus with Oscar- and Tony-winning lyricist Tim Rice, combined with international musical theatre heavyweights David Harris and Green Room award-winner Silvie Paladino (Best Actress in a Leading role for playing Florence in Chess, directed by Gale Edwards), will guarantee a blockbuster theatrical event.

4 SHOWS ONLY

Director ERIN JAMES / Musical Director DAN WILSON

FEATURING A 38 PIECE ORCHESTRA AND A 200+ VOICE CHOIR

Running time 2hrs20min inc interval