Producer Adrian Storey chats CHESS

Chess is the brainchild of ABBA stars Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, telling the story of two Grandmasters battling it out during the Cold War.

It has thrilled audiences since its 1986 West End premiere, with an iconic score featuring songs like “Nobody’s Side,” “Someone Else’s Story,” and “One Night In Bangkok”, the show’s underlying political message could not be more relevant than in 2020.

Producer Adrian Storey is so excited to finally be bringing this production to audiences, having planned it for years with Director Tyran Parke. The pair are gearing up for the exciting concert performances of the show in both Melbourne and Perth next year.

Why Chess?

The incredible score! Chess the Musical is one of the best diverse rock/pop-opera scores written for the stage. Chess the Musical was written at a time when British musical theatre were the kings of Broadway and, as a teenager, I immediately fell in love with the wonderful score. Testament to this is having two #1 hit UK songs plus a plethora of other hits worldwide. This production aims to celebrate that score.

And why now?

Tyran Parke, the director, and I have been talking about presenting this show for six years. The difficulty was that the UK/Swedish rights holders wouldn’t allow it to be presented whilst they re-worked parts of the show. After a series of attempts and arm twisting, we eventually obtained the professional rights and are delighted to finally bring Chess the Musical to Perth. Our production is six years in the making and now our dream becomes reality; we can’t wait to share that with you.

What is your favourite song from the show?

Strangely enough it is not one of the more popular songs like “I Know Him So Well”, or “One Night in Bangkok”, it is “You & I.”  For me, this song represents the heart of the show. Sung by Florence and Anatoly, it demonstrates the scale, depth and diversity of Bjorn Ulvaeus’ and Benny Andersson’s song writing.

Chess has been delighting theatre lovers for 34 years – how are you going to keep the show fresh in 2020?

We’re going to keep it simple! Numerous attempts at presenting this show has included over-complicated technical scenery and technology that ultimately detracts from the story and score. Partnering with the Perth Symphony Orchestra, we made a very firm decision to present the score as it deserves to be heard. This combined with our incredible cast, which shall be announced in February 2021, promises to be an incredible night out.

What is your favourite chess piece and why?

The pawn. They are such humble, foot soldiers and sacrificed without a moment’s thought.  I think they are the bravest pieces on the board.

StoreyBoard Entertainment presents CHESS THE MUSICAL

Music by ABBA’s Björn Ulvaeus & Benny Andersson and Lyrics & Book by Tim Rice

For tickets and more info visit www.chessmusical.info