Chess
Chess
The first West End production of Chess since 1986 starring Michael Ball, Alexandra Burke, Tim Howar, Cassidy Janson and Cedric Neal.
Written by Tim Rice and ABBA songwriters Benny Anderson and Björn Ulvaeus, Chess is a story of love and political intrigue set against the background of the Cold War. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, superpowers try to manipulate an international chess championship for political gain.
What is Chess about?
The world’s two greatest chess masters – one American and one Russian – risk becoming pawns for each of their governments as they battle for the world title. Meanwhile, a remarkable woman and Hungarian refugee throws the two chess masters’ lives into further confusion by becoming the centre of their turbulent triangle. The three characters’ heightened passions mirror those of the political struggles around them: threatening to destroy lives and loves.
This epic musical love story, will open on Thursday 26 April 2018 for a strictly limited 5 week season. Book your tickets for Chess at the London Coliseum today!
Chess includes international hit singles like “One Night In Bangkok” and “I Know Him So Well.” It also features well-known songs like “Anthem,” “Pity the Child,” “Heaven Help My Heart,” and “Someone Else’s Story.” Other musicals by Tim Rice include Jesus Christ Superstar, The Lion King, and Evita.
- Booking Information
‘No food or drink purchased off-site including alcohol, soft drinks and water are permitted inside the theatre.’
- Cast
This new West End production, featuring English National Opera’s award-winning Orchestra and Chorus, will be directed by Laurence Connor, whose recent credits include School of Rock and Miss Saigon on Broadway and in the West End, Les Misérables on Broadway, and the international Jesus Christ Superstar arena tour. Choreography is by Stephen Mear.
- Duration
Running Time is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes
- Good To Know
The appearance of any given artist is not guaranteed and no refunds or exchanges will be available should changes be made from the advertised cast
Additional Details & FAQ
- Cancellation Policy
No refunds or cancellations after purchase.
- How Does It Work
You will receive a voucher after purchase - please print and present on arrival.
Reviews
Muscials fan
May 30, 2018
Powerful, emotional and beautifully played. I took my mother as a surprise - she had not seen it when it was first released, as she did not think she would enjoy it. I was delighted to prove her wrong. There were so many things going on on the stage, both of us would have loved to see it again soon
Ann Hyde
May 30, 2018
We loved Chess. All four leads were terrific, the whole cast of actors, singers and dancers were top class and the orchestra was perfect.
Sue
May 28, 2018
Not really my cup of tea, slow start and not many songs that i was familiar with and i found the second half was better than the first. The majority of the singing was okay. Alexander Burke was excellent and has definitely found her niche in theatre.
Rachel Johnson
May 27, 2018
Alexander Burke and Cassidy Johnson gave me goosebumps when they sang I know him so well! The whole show was Amazing and Micheal Ball and all of the other Main male singers fitted together so well and the story telling was made it along with the music itself! XxX Standing ovations all round and so much deserved! Haven't felt this way for many years! XxX
Chris and Ian
May 27, 2018
An amazing production. The individual performances and those of the orchestra and choir were superb. We saw the original production many years ago but this totally surpasses that in its execution and 'wow' factor. The only disappointment was that we couldn't buy a CD so that we could enjoy the music again and again.
Lynda
May 27, 2018
Lovely evening all the cast were brilliant especially Michael ball
J
May 25, 2018
Very good. Only problem was from balcony was impossible to see the front of the stage if only tables chairs dancing was put back a few yards. Tho the big screen did help when used. But very good show.
Annie
May 25, 2018
Was a little apprehensive as to what to expect from a musical based around a game of Chess. I have to say I was completely enthralled by the production and cast. Would highly recommend it!
David
May 25, 2018
A wonderful musical, up there with the very best. Definitely no to be missed.
Pinky
May 25, 2018
Great music, voices, dancing and special effects on screen. Very pleased we took the chance to see it. Great seats in royal circle slips.
Peter walker
May 25, 2018
Just as magical and emotive as when saw the original production . Michael Ball, not only brilliant vocals but brings his acting skills to enhance the performance . Ally supported by Tim Howar, Alexandra Burke and Cassidy Jansen whose duet of ‘I know him so well’ deservedly brought the larger round of clapping. Staging superb and enhanced without overpowering the underlying story and digging . Triumph
Pam
May 25, 2018
Really enjoyed the show - excellent production.... pity it is only on for such a short time. Is there a CD?
Adrian Ruthen
May 25, 2018
The most amazing staging of a musical ever. Great performances and an outstanding orchestra and chorus. Saw the original production and loved it then but this moves to another plane. Will surely win Olivier awards , especially lighting and stage design. Shame it's not on for longer. Would go again.
Andrew
May 25, 2018
It is an absolutely phenomenal show - brilliantly executed, gripping, moving... verging on the numinous... difficult to explain in mere words! I'd go every night if I lived in London and had unlimited resources!! Have waited many many years to see it live - and it's been worth the wait.
Ian Collins
May 25, 2018
Chess is a musical that has one of the greatest scores of any modern musical, along with some of the best lyrics put to paper. The story is somewhat complex, so I would recommend a first time viewer to read the synopsis before taking their seats. Great set, large powerful chorus, full orchestra, very well chosen leads lift numbers like 'Pity the Child', 'Anthem', 'You and I' along with 'One night in Bangkok' and 'I Know Him So Well' to new heights. This may be the best staging this musical will get in my lifetime, so I recommend seeing it before it is too late!
Pinlin
May 25, 2018
We really enjoyed this show. Michael Ball was superb, as were all the other lead singers, and the ensemble were wonderful with some brilliant dance numbers. I had never seen Chess before and the reviews were not great; however the show was a revelation with great tunes. A fantastic night out.
Dovey
May 25, 2018
Third time we have seen chess. Excellent show and different slightly. Staging was fabulous
Julie
May 24, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyed it, Cassidy Jansen new to me but amazing voice. Michael Ball excellent. Technology enhanced in some places and detracted in others. I know the soundtrack really well but felt a lot of superb lyrics lost somehow. Acoustics? First experience of Coliseum, beautiful theatre.
AJ
May 24, 2018
I’ve always loved this show, but this production was my favourite. Michael Ball was superb and his rendition of Anthem gave me goosebumps.
Julie
May 24, 2018
Saw it thirty years ago and every bit as good this time around. Cast were brilliant.
WGB
May 24, 2018
In spite of 3 great songs and rousing group singing and dancing .It is a show I would not return to .
Miche
May 24, 2018
Show was amazing! An outstanding performance from Michael Ball and Cassidy
Lynne Cushing
May 24, 2018
I saw the original of Chess 30+ years ago, which was excellent... so I was delighted that it was being revived at the ENO. Bought the tickets as soon as it was announced and then waited with excited anticipation. My friends (who had also seen the original) and I were not disappointed... there had been a few changes to the lyrics to reflect the change in life and politics but it was fabulous! The lead players (I shouldn’t single anyone out, but Michael Ball for me) were brilliant and I was moved several times by all the performances. The ensemble and orchestra were also amazing, as was the set. To be honest, if I could afford it, and there were suitable seats available in the rest of the short run, I would be very tempted to go again in the next few weeks. Highly recommended if you’ve not left it too late!
Ann
May 24, 2018
the whole show was wonderfully presented and the whole cast were so talented We did have a problem being able to hear or understand the lyrics of songs and some dialogue was inaudible at times
keith
May 24, 2018
Individual performances very good but overall show a little dull .
Graham Samways
May 24, 2018
A fabulous show. I have been lucky enough to see many different productions of Chess, including the original West End cast, but this version, led by Michael Ball, is truly the best yet.
Anonymous
May 24, 2018
Amazing. All the cast were fantastic and the production was so good. I saw the original production and wondered what had been done but this surpassed everything.
Murray Edwards
May 24, 2018
What a grippingly fantastic show.The performance was outstanding The singing voices of all were unsurpassable and the orchestra phenomenal
Hannah Emerton
May 24, 2018
Good music and excellent use of staging Some wonderful dance routines and clever use of film We went out singing
Annie
May 24, 2018
It was brilliant Maybe a little long I thought it very clever to have the orchestra high up, and have engaged film of the singers
MagicJules9
May 24, 2018
Have wanted to see this musical for years, and was delighted to be able to purchase a reasonably priced seat in the balcony. The view was good, and the up to date technology ensured you could see all the principal performers up close on camera. Some excellent musical numbers: One Night In Bangkok was a real highlight. A bit of a mishmash of a storyline though.
pippy1958
May 24, 2018
Brilliant singing but it just feels a bit...not quite right. The chess theme is a stretch at the best of times but I kept thinking if they could change the theme and keep the songs, it might work better, just not sure what! The dramatic song at the ending is more suited to a death scene or battle, not someone just getting on a plane! We were up in the gods which might have had something to do with it - the seats (row J) really should be listed as restricted view as you do lose the first 10 feet of the stage and have to crane to see action in that section. The screens did help but the closeups are a bit tooooo in your face. Just step back a bit cameraman!
Am
May 24, 2018
Coliseum fantastic. Cast brilliant but actual storyline boring.
Pamela
May 24, 2018
Absolutely brilliant! Michael Ball exeptional. Highly recommend. Not on for long
Anne
May 24, 2018
I understand you need to get bums on seats, but it is such a shame that as time goes by we are losing the integrity of theatre by casting “famous names” in parts that are beyond their capabilities. The show itself is a favourite of mine, a stunning score with a unique story line, but I feel that on the basis of this performance it has tainted my perception of Chess. On a very positive note to conclude, the ENO orchestra was sublime.
D. G.
May 24, 2018
Amazing. Was the best show ever. Micheal Ball was brilliant
Lisa A
May 24, 2018
Brilliant casting and the singing was fantastic. Spine chilling but in a good way !!!
Trish Mound
May 24, 2018
Absolutely fab, powerful musical story with Michael Ball and Alexandra Burke complimenting each so well. Dancers acrobatics highly skilled as was the amazing live orchestra . So glad I saw it also at the amazing theatre- the Coliseum. First time zI had been there and what a sight and experience .
j francos
May 24, 2018
Very good. Excellent cast, all main leads exceptional . Difficult to see front of stage but not necessary because of big screen display used on occasions to very good effect.
Jonathan Masters
May 24, 2018
Great - super set and lighting. Michael Ball and Alexandra Burke excellent.
Old lady
May 24, 2018
I saw original so possibly my review is altered by this however there was a lot more acting in the original between numbers which tied the story line together. No chemistry between Russian and Florence as a consequence. The sanitization of some of the songs to make them currently politically correct also detracts from the whole. Annoying screens and TV presentation each side of stage a distraction along with microphones wired to people's heads like aerobics instructors. The singing and individual acting was superb with the material the performers were given. I preferred the original version but that's just me. ( old person)!
George Rodgers
May 24, 2018
One of the best shows we have seen.
Susan
May 24, 2018
Such great music sung brilliantly.. I loved it
Rosie
May 24, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyed Chess! Didn't see the original production so keen to see this one and was not disappointed. Excellent music both new and old and 4 main characters put on super performances. Special effects were great too and particularly liked the 2 screens either side of the stage showing closeups of the person performing and singing.
Amelia Rose
May 23, 2018
This revival if you will was literally perfect! I've been waiting 18 years to see this show as me and my parents used to sing it when I was little and let me tell you it did not disapoint! I loved the creative staging and use of the digital screens throughout and whoever thought about including cameras for close up moments I wish I could thank too. The cast were also outstanding and If I could I'd wish them all a brilliant rest of the run. Thank You!!
Peter Webb
May 23, 2018
The cast generally were superb, they added tremendously to the quality of the evening’s experience. They supported the main characters with skill and tremendous panache. The stars were all excellent supporting Michael Ball effortlessly. Cassidy Janson was a revelation, she was perfect for this role and all her songs were superb. Michael was his usual effortless sublime professional, a joy to watch and listen to. Alexandra Burke was a surprise to us, she performed above and beyond expectations. The American opponent was played by a stand in, but you wouldn’t have known it. The lesser roles were taken by actors who were more than proficient in their trade and added their skills to ensure that a more than pleasurable experience was had by all present I am sure. We certainly did, Well done to all concerned. I almost forgot the orchestra were excellent too!
Sue T Oxford
May 23, 2018
Chess was absolutely brilliant. The singing, dancing, sets and orchestra were amazing. Top quality throughout the show.
OperaQueen
May 23, 2018
Really enjoyable. The singing was amazing..we sat in the balcony..had very little ticket choice & sadly miss some stage action.
Gillimac
May 23, 2018
What a wonderful show.. we were blown away by it and our daughter was left in tears with shear emotions!! An amazing evening and worth every penny!! Well done to everyone who took part.. it was fantastic!!
Annabel Clementson
May 23, 2018
We saw Chess on 22nd May at the Collessium and it was a wonderful show. The theatre is easy to walk to from tube stations including Leicester Square and Tottenham Court Road. There is a Prezzo right opposite. It’s a great venue which looks fantastic with good facilities. The show itself was outstanding. Michael Ball was at his best and the whole cast gave brilliant performances. Such great music and story. Loved it and wish we could see again before the short run ends