The Eastleigh Operatic and Musical Society (EOMS) are currently performing their Chess – The Musical show at The Point in Eastleigh, until Saturday 26th November. I went to last night’s show (Thursday 24th).
Background to Chess – The Musical
The original Chess musical was written by Tim Rice in the 1980s, inspired by the famous Bobby Fischer v Boris Spassky World Chess Championship of 1972. Rice approached Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson from ABBA to write the music. The music is of various styles and includes hits One Night in Bangkok and I know Him So Well. The show premiered in 1986 and had three years in London’s West End; it has since been performed in many countries.
Brief synopsis of Chess – The Musical
The Cold War still rages, adding a key dimension to the World Chess Championship as the American World Champion Freddie Trumper defends his title against Soviet Grandmaster Anatoly Sergievsky. The central theme is the love triangle between the two Grandmasters and Florence Vassy, who is the manager of one of the players but falls in love with the other. Add in some Cold War plotting and you get a satisfyingly full story.
The Eastleigh Operatic and Musical Society Show
Some details – it’s still on, and with e-tickets sent to your phone, you can buy tickets easily.
Show performances remaining – tickets still available
- Friday 25th November 20222: 7:30 pm.
- Saturday 26th November: 2:30pm
- Saturday 26th November: 7:30pm
Although popular, there are still tickets available for all the shows listed above. Full price tickets are from £15-17, some discounts for over 60 and students and under-16s.
Chess Club involvement
The Musical Director for the EOMS production is Ian Partridge, Chandler’s Ford Chess Club member.
The chess club has provided the chess boards and clocks.
Recommendation
I saw the show last night, Thursday, and had a thoroughly enjoyable evening. Immersed in the story straightaway, I enjoyed all aspects of it: the acting, music and singing performances. I would recommend seeing the show if you get an opportunity.
I saw former club player Don Creasey afterwards, and he and his wife had also enjoyed the show.
Keven Lamb