Chess - The Musical

CHESS - Set in the late 70’s the story depicting the competitiveness for the world chess championship between America and Russia combined with romance, deceit and political issues is an intriguing and demanding piece of musical theatre.

Neil Parker as Freddie Trumper played an excellent role showing a range of emotions, his voice was ideally suited to the score, whilst characterisation of this unstable, volatile chess champion was played with intensity. I particularly liked the back story in ‘Pity the Child’.

Wayne Assiratti as Anatoly Sergievsky was a joy vocally. Wayne portrayed the struggle within the character between loyalty to his country and the desire to be the best in the world with great sincerity  ‘Anthem’ at the end of Act 1 was powerful and captivating. A razor sharp interpretation of a difficult part.

Both Neil Parker and Wayne Assiratti brought contrasting characterisation to their roles and provided first class performances throughout.

Nigel Crick as The Arbiter gave a forceful performance which kept the intrigues in check.

Bob Tucker as Alexander Molokov commanded the stage with his stage presence. we really got the sense of the ‘puppet master’ that the part demands.

Sophie Herrmann as Florence Vassy gave a talented first class performance. A demanding role which Sophie took in her stride portraying the range of different emotions exquisitely in her delivery of the many numbers she so effortlessly and gloriously sang.

Paul Mellin as Walter De Courcey the wheeler dealer of the American Delegation showed his manipulative nature with ease.

Lauren Farnham as Svetlana Sergievskaya gave a commendable performance. Her rendition of `Someone Else’s Story’ was charming.

Applause must go to Fiona Porter-Smith, assisted by Julia Dyke on an excellently directed production which produced some excellent moments of theatre.

Ben Davies, Musical Director had clearly worked tirelessly to produce the high standards of vocals, not only with the Principals but also with the Ensemble and the Pop Choir.

Choreography was within the style expected.

An inventive, well designed black and white set allowed the cast to be positioned with ease and interest. The lighting was adventurous, slick and demonstrated understanding of emotions, love, anger political intrigue and sadness.                                                                                        

CHESS presents a challenge to any Company who presents it and PODS was no exception but they rose to the challenge with great dignity and presented a show in which every member of the company should be very proud of.

 

Massive congratulations.

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