Chess at The Lowry - a truly sophisticated show (From Messenger Newspapers)

Chess at The Lowry - a truly sophisticated show

10:15am Wednesday 27th October 2010 in Theatre Reviews By Rick Bowen

IF many musicals leave you cold and you prefer something that you can get your teeth into, I think I have the answer.

Chess, by Sir Tim Rice and Abba duo Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus is on at The Lowry.

The songs are sharp and sophisticated, with the popular board game acting as a metaphor for what went on between East and West during the Cold War.

Don’t let the word “Abba” fool you either - many of the numbers don’t have that instant “hum along” appeal of the Swedish supergroup’s hits, it’s only when you reflect on what you’ve heard that you can appreciate just how good, how clever and how well put together the score is.

The creators of the show have also managed to turn a game which I’d previously thought of as dull as dishwater into a tense battle of wits.

If you enjoy top class singing, this production delivers with something to spare. Shona White (Florence Vassy) has one of the purest singing voices I’ve heard for a long, long time. Her performance of i Know Him So Well, one of the show’s most famous numbers, is sure to bring you out in goose pimples. Contrast that with the rock style voice of James Fox (Freddie Trumper) and you have a winning combination. Enjoy.

* Until October 30. The box office is on 0843 208 6000. Star rating - ****