CHESS

Choreographer: Sally McKimm

I have to congratulate everyone connected with this production. The personal conflicts between the players and the back stage manoeuvrings of their supporters was finally drawn by director Steve Carrick and played with conviction by a talented collection of principles.

I thought the set was great, with multi-screen video walls up stage, and either side of the stage, with a large illuminated chess board on the stage floor.

Phil McIntosh as the arbiter gave a forceful performance which kept the intrigues in check, while Rob O’Hara as Walter du Courcey gave a spirited example of the brash TV reporter and link man. A very big well done to Ben Merriman from stepping from behind the stage to performing on stage as Alexander Molokov. I’m sure we shall see you performing in many future shows. Joe Kaye was brilliantly cast in the role of American Frederick Trumper, his voice was ideally suited to the score, whilst characterisation of this unstable, volatile chess champion was played with intensity.

Russian Anatoly Sergievsky was in the capable hands of Chris Warby, what a performance, with strong characterisation and superb vocals, I thought this a razor sharp interpretation of a difficult part.

The two ladies in the chess game were wonderfully portrayed, the lion’s role of course is Florence played by Sarah Carrick who gave a talented first class performance and along with Louise Marshall as Svetlana Sergievsky their duet ‘I Know Him So Well’ was quite stunning. I think there was really true regret when Anatoly decided to return to Svetlana.

The chorus sang and moved well, I really enjoyed ‘Merano’ it was so colourful with the National Costumes. The choreography was very good, I thought the balletic type moves on the chess boards were lovely.

Well done to everyone including the orchestra, sound, lighting, back stage and front of house for a very entertaining evening and thank you for your hospitality.

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