Chess the Musical

Chess... a musical staged and presented by Southport Spotlights at Southport Little Theatre, Hoghton Street, Southport on Wednesday, 25th February 2026.

There is a general expectation that NODA representatives will have seen every show many times, not so, or at least, not always! This ‘Rock Musical’ with musical notes by Benny Anderson and Bjorn Ulvaeus of ABBA fame and lyrics by Sir Tim Rice was a musical that I’d heard of and I knew a couple of people who’d performed in it many years ago, but as for seeing it or knowing much about its storyline was almost nil! So ‘pre show’, as is the ‘norm’, I’d did a little research, but that research didn’t prepare me for the ‘powerful performance’ that ‘Spotlights’ were about to share with me and their audience.  Visually, musically, this show was brilliant and from the applause, hoots, holler’s throughout and the ‘standing ovation’ that greeted the finale from an almost full theatre, this was a production enjoyed by most, if not all the people present! The storyline, set around the rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union that manifests itself through clashes in and around a chess board and a Chess World Championship – this really was a good one!

Production Team... all I can think, is this must have been a challenge... a challenge accepted by Jacqui Lewis (Director), Adam Dutch (Musical Director) and Chloe Morris (Choreographer). I had chance to speak with both Jacqui and Adam during the evening, both confirmed my thoughts, but the results spoke volumes of their understanding of this piece.  The main casting was ‘spot on’ and equally strong were the ensemble, who supported/complimented the principals with great aplomb! Energy levels were high and it’s great when you see performers acting all the time, even when not front and centre. Well done Jacqui, the show moved with effortless ease, which, again, must have been a challenge in its self. Once again Adam’s experience showed throughout this production,
in all ‘sing through musicals’ the MD must have the knowledge/courage/confidence to allow the productions to flow and that was always evident tonight. The ensemble movement and involvement were outstanding ... Chloe’s cleverly devised routines using the ‘black and white’ concept of the chess board and pieces was used to great effect ... be very proud you three great job.

The Cast... I think I’m right in suggesting there were twenty-two cast members, all of whom worked their socks off from ‘opening scene’ to ‘final bow’. The ‘Principals’ ... our three leads:  John Coates who played ‘Anatoly Sergievsky’; Sarah Dutch who played ‘Florence Vassy’ and Rob Poston who played ‘Freddie Trumper’... were supported ever so well by Michael Fay who played ‘Ivan Molokov’; Jess Roach who played Svetlana Sergievskaya, Lewis Williams who played ‘The Arbiter’; Rikki Spofforth who played ‘Walter de Courcey’ and Colin Dryden who played ‘The Mayor’.  We had ‘two teams’ in the form of chess pieces... the ‘Black Pieces’ included Laura-Jane Palmer-Farrar, Anna Laird, Olivia Williams, Pippa Morris, Philippa Sandiford, Emma Batchelor, Lou Woodfinden.
and Joshua Harrison-North. The ‘White Pieces’ ... Max Nolan, Megan Ryan, Colin Dryden, Maddison Rose, Abi Gibbons, Abbie Sumner and Sophie Walker.   We had two groups... ‘Diplomats’ and ‘Reporters’ made up from actors mentioned above and finally we had three Principal Dancers ... Pippa Morris, Maddison Rose and Lou Woodfinden. You’ll all know by now, this is where I stick the ‘old neck out’ and start selecting MY ‘show stealer’ and MY ‘favourite characters’. All three leads, John, Sarah and Rob did themselves proud, but I think I would be right in suggesting, that Sarah Dutch, in her very first lead role, ‘stole the show’! Someone you usually find in the orchestra pit was now standing tall, front and centre, just knocking this demanding role ‘out the park’! Blessed with a wonderful voice which, in the past, we’ve only really heard from the pit, but Sarah took this to a whole new level! That voice, now had a character to create and play, which she did with effortless ease, making it look far easier that it obviously was! Great stage presence, a wonderful character created, she worked ever so well with not only the principals and supports, but the entire cast and her duet with Jess Roach... “I Know Him So Well”, was a show highlight for me... be very proud Sarah. Favourites, the list could be many, but John Coates was immense as ‘Anatoly Sergievsky’, wonderful character created, John commanded the stage and his rendition of ‘Anthem’ ...’No Man No Madness’ was spine chilling... what a way to close Act One!  Rob Poston did a wonderful job with ‘Freddie Trumper’ as did Lewis Williams with ‘The Arbiter’. I feel so wrong not highlighting others... but, after saying that, I really can’t move on without mentioning the ‘Ensemble’ who were ‘outstanding’ throughout!  Their efforts with all the musical numbers, plus the choreographed movement, was nothing short of fabulous! Be VERY PROUD everyone!

Tech/Staging ... the growth of ‘Amateur Theatre’ in this field is unstoppable... we’re seeing ‘professional standard’ elements continually. Video walls are now common place; their results are nothing short of astonishing! Staging, lighting and sound ... is developing continually, so to ‘keep up with the Jones’ we’re seeing quality growth everywhere!  Overseeing everything stage wise we had the ever so experienced Radley Haynes (Stage Manager – Tech Co-ordinator), supported by his crew Brendan Gillow and Chris Morris. The ‘Set & Lighting’ for this production were entrusted to ‘Moonlight Event’s Ltd’ who, like many other companies appear to have ‘mastered’ most arts, although my “usual question”, why did we need this ‘ultra bright light’ shining into our eyes?  On so many occasions, for me and many others, these bright lights, that point directly into the audience do little or nothing for the production, are they really necessary, I’m not sure! The experienced Matt Hughes was in charge of all things sound related. I did feel, because of the powerful score and the exceptional vocals from the ensemble, that the sound was set a touch high/loud! I said on the night, at the after-show meet with the cast, the volume was such, that I did lose the narrative at times!     

Orchestra ... a very gifted orchestra was led by the experienced Adam Dutch (Musical Director). The orchestra included: Jeff Rimmer (Reed1); Michael Sheenan (Reed2); Michael Grant (Reed3); Cliff Ray (Trumpet); Toby Johnson-Jones (French Horn); Corey Gerrard (Keys 1); David Wall (Keys 2); Owen Tyas (Keys 3); Mike Ciaputa (Guitar); Lala Robinson (Bass) and Sam Jones (Percussion). This intricate piece of orchestration, combined with a complexed vocal score helped create a vibrant and atmospheric environment, but, having said that, due to the density and volume of the orchestration and vocals, I did lose some of the lyrics and narrative, which was an essential, if I was to keep in touch with and understand the plot. Fortunately, the cast movement, mannerisms, facial expressions, along with the effective direction, helped convey the story’s nuances, which helped and compensated well when the lyrics were less audible. Overall, the production was a compelling blend of musical richness and theatrical expression, which delivered a memorable experience for us all, I would suggest!

Costumes... were apt, of the period and enhanced this production ever so much.  Loved the ‘black + white’ themed costumes, again apt and provided by ‘The Costume Store’ Southport!
Props... were first class, used well and again enhanced the production.

Thanks for the invite and my sincere thanks to Hannah Munro for looking after my wife and I throughout, which is always appreciated. Congratulations to all who contributed to the ‘brave decision’ to stage this musical, already looking forward to ‘The Bake Off’ another new one for me!

Stay Safe, Keep well
“Stronger Together”

Jim Briscoe,
NODA NW
District 6 Rep  
 

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