Chess 1986

Opened: May 14, 1986
Closing: April 08, 1989

Chess - 1986 - West End History , Info & More

Prince Edward Theatre
(Leicester Square/Tottenham Court Road) Old Compton Street London

A superb cast of West End stars including James Fox (Fame Academy, Jesus Christ Superstar), Shona White (Wicked), Tam Mutu (Love Never Dies), Rebecca Lock (The Phantom of the Opera, Avenue Q), James Graeme (The Phantom of the Opera), David Erik (Dirty Dancing, The Phantom of the Opera) and Steve Varnom (The Woman in White) lead a cast of 30 actors and musicians in this unmissable production.



Written by Tim Rice and ABBA’s Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson, CHESS has one of the greatest musical theatre scores of all time including One Night In Bangkok, Pity The Child, Anthem, You And I and, of course, I Know Him So Well.



Two of the world's greatest chess masters battle it out at the world chess championships but their greatest contest is for the love of one woman. Amidst political intrigue and international conspiracies, the American and the Russian fight to win the heart of Florence Vassy in a romantic triangle that mirrors the heightened passions of the Cold War all set to an explosive score by the composers of Mamma Mia and the lyricist of Jesus Christ Superstar and Evita.



Make your move now and book for the must-see musical event of the year!

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Brightside Theatre To Perform CHESS IN CONCERT February 9-18
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 23, 2024


Artistic Director Jeffrey Cass and Executive Director Julie Ann Kornak are excited to continue BrightSide Theatre's SEASON 12 – The Season of Passion – with the masterful musical CHESS IN CONCERT.

BrightSide Theatre Presents CHESS In Concert
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 19, 2023


BrightSide Theatre Presents CHESS In Concert, a professional theatre performance in Naperville's Historic Downtown District. Don't miss this captivating production of Chess in Concert.

Every Broadway Actor in THE GILDED AGE Season Two
by Michael Major - Nov 19, 2023


The Gilded Age has returned for season two with a fresh lineup of Broadway stars! The first season of Julian Fellowes' series featured over 60 Broadway alums, including Audra McDonald, Nathan Lane, Cynthia Nixon, and more. Check out which faces you recognize from the theatre, including new additions like Laura Benanti and Jeremy Shamos.

Darren Day, Hannah-Jane Fox & More Complete the Cast of CLOSE UP - THE TWIGGY MUSICAL
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 14, 2023


Discover the latest additions to the cast of THE TWIGGY MUSICAL, including Darren Day and Hannah-Jane Fox. Find out when and where this highly anticipated production will be held, and secure your tickets to experience this sensational musical firsthand. Don't miss out - book your seats now!

Earl Carpenter, Bradley Jaden and More Join THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA in Italy
by Stephi Wild - Jun 14, 2023


As BroadwayWorld previously reported, Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera will open for the first time in Italy at Teatro Stabile del Friuli Venezia Giulia in Trieste on 4th July 2023. Additional casting has now been announced, including Earl Carpenter as Monsieur Andre and Bradley Jaden as Raoul, Vicomte de Chagny.

Feature: The Show Must Eurovision �" A Celebration of Musical Theatre Eurovision Song Contest Stars �" Part Three
by Adam Robinson - May 11, 2023


The West End of London might be an epicentre for musical theatre, but it is not just UK Eurovision stars who have taken to the stage. An other Eurovision powerhouse country Sweden currently have six wins to their name, and also sparkling smorgasbord of representatives who have stood in the musical theatre spotlight.

CHESS to be Presented at The Muny in July
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 13, 2023


Chess makes another big move in Saint Louis, the home of the first world championship, and onto the Muny stage for the first time. See performance dates, and learn how to purchase tickets!

​​​​​​​The Museum of Modern Art Presents WOLFGANG TILLMANS: TO LOOK WITHOUT FEAR
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 2, 2022


The Museum of Modern Art will present Wolfgang Tillmans: To  look without fear, the artist's first museum survey in New York, from September 12, 2022,  through January 1, 2023, in the Steven and Alexandra Cohen Center for Special  Exhibitions.

La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts Announces Additional Special Events for 2022
by Marissa Tomeo - May 28, 2022


La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts (BT McNicholl, Producing Artistic Director) announces that single tickets will go on sale today, Friday, May 27, 2022 at 11am PT for La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts & McCoy Rigby Entertainment’s previously announced 2022-2023 “Season of Shows” which include Sally Struthers starring as “Frau Blücher” in Mel Brooks’ YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, A FEW GOOD MEN, GREASE, THE KING AND I, and JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT.  Additionally, tickets are now on sale for all La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts newly-added “Special Events”-- including the triumphant hometown debut of country superstar GARY ALLAN,  the musically intoxicating DJANGO FESTIVAL ALLSTARS, plus the previously announced  THE POINTER SISTERS, “Dancing with the Stars” pros and finalists from “American Idol”  in DANCE TO THE MOVIES (featuring a special guest appearance by Academy Award nominee Lesley Ann Warren), the legendary FOUR TOPS, and the extraordinary AMY GRANT!

BrightSide Theatre to Preset MAMMA MIA!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 18, 2022


Artistic Director Jeffrey Cass and Executive Director Julie Ann Kornak will present the final show of BrightSide Theatre’s 10th Anniversary Season – BrightSide is Back! The twice postponed production closes out the season with the music of ABBA in the musical that has entertained over 60 million people around the globe -  Mamma Mia!  

Broadway Actors in THE GILDED AGE & How You Know Them
by Michael Major - Jan 30, 2022


Meet all of the Broadway actors in THE GILDED AGE! The new series features appearances by Audra McDonald, Denée Benton, Celia Keenan-Bolger, Kelli O'Hara, Carrie Coon, Claybourne Elder, Donna Murphy, Katie Finneran, Debra Monk, Taylor Richardson, Douglas Sills, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Patrick Page, Michael Cerveris, and more.

MAMMA MIA! to be Presented by BAMtheatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 9, 2021


Hinsdale's BAMtheatre will present MAMMA MIA this summer for its High School & College Mainstage Production! The show will take place at Christian Church of Clarendon Hills, 5750 Holmes Ave, Clarendon Hills, IL 60514.

Justin Courtney Pierre Announces 'The Price of Salt' EP
by Sarah Jae Leiber - May 24, 2021


The Price of Salt follows An Anthropologist on Mars (released in March) which New Noise Magazine called “the best batch of songs Justin Courtney Pierre has ever released.”

Celebrate Mother's Day With All Of Your Mom-Centric Favorites On HBO Max
by Sarah Jae Leiber - May 6, 2021


From classic movies like, “The Wizard of Oz,” “Dirty Dancing, “Crazy Rich Asians,” “27 Dresses” and “The Notebook” to Max Originals such as “Love Life,” “Selena + Chef, and “The Great Pottery Throwdown,” to beloved HBO series like “Big Little Lies” and “Sex and the City,” there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy.

BWW Feature: CHESS - The Dream Cast
by ETTORE FARRATTINI - Apr 10, 2021


Nel 1981, dopo solo 8 anni dal loro primo singolo gli ABBA misero fine alla loro carriera come gruppo.

Final Seats Now On Sale For Sold Out Melbourne Season Of CHESS THE MUSICAL At The Regent Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 25, 2021


Final seats are on sale at 9:00am, Monday 29 March for the Melbourne performances of CHESS THE MUSICAL, starring Natalie Bassingthwaighte, Paulini, Rob Mills, Alexander Lewis, Mark Furze and more at the Regent Theatre from 22 to 24 April.

Natalie Bassingthwaighte, Paulini, Rob Mills and More Will Lead Australian tour of CHESS THE MUSICAL
by Stephi Wild - Feb 7, 2021


Natalie Bassingthwaighte, Paulini, Rob Mills, Alexander Lewis & Mark Furze are set to star in CHESS THE MUSICAL touring Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and Brisbane from April to June 2021.

CHESS THE MUSICAL Set To Debut At The Concert Hall, QPAC In June 2021
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 14, 2020


The worldwide stage hit CHESS THE MUSICAL, featuring the iconic music of ABBA's Björn Ulvaeus & Benny Andersson, lyrics by Tim Rice & Björn Ulvaeus and book by Tim Rice, will debut at QPAC's Concert Hall, for its first professional presentation, in two exclusive performances on June 10th, 2021.

Illinois Wesleyan University's Virtual Production of CHESS Premieres This Weekend
by Taylor Brethauer-Hamling - Nov 20, 2020


Illinois Wesleyan University's virtual production of Chess begins streaming this weekend on Friday, November 20 at 7:30pm and continues throughout the weekend on Saturday, November 21 and Sunday, November 22 at 2pm and 7:30pm.

CHESS THE MUSICAL Will Debut at The Regent Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Nov 15, 2020


Featuring the iconic music of Benny Andersson & Björn Ulvaeus (ABBA), lyrics by Tim Rice & Björn Ulvaeus and book by Tim Rice, the worldwide stage hit CHESS THE MUSICAL will debut at Melbourne's Regent Theatre in two exclusive performances on Saturday 24 April 2021.

Photos/Video: First Look at the Russian Premiere of CHESS The Musical
by Stephi Wild - Oct 19, 2020


On October 17, Chess the Musical made its Russian premiere at the MDM Theatre, Moscow.

FILM AT LINCOLN CENTER ANNOUNCES REVIVALS FOR THE 58th NEW YORK FILM FESTIVAL
by Robert Diamond - Aug 18, 2020


FILM AT LINCOLN CENTER ANNOUNCES REVIVALS FOR THE 58th NEW YORK FILM FESTIVAL (September 17 – October 11).

BWW Exclusive: THE 101 GREATEST MOVIE SCENES of All Time - from CITIZEN KANE to PINK FLAMINGOS, from THE SOUND OF MUSIC to PARASITE
by Peter Nason - May 26, 2020


BWW Reviewer Peter Nason chooses the 101 greatest scenes in cinema from 1901 to 2020. See if your favorite movie moments made the list!

CHESS at Helsingborg Arena
by Annette Stolt - Jan 27, 2020


Summer 2020 is the premiere of the major venture Chess in Swedish at Helsingborg Arena. Loa Falkman and Gert Fylking have previously been featured as some of the show's big poster names. Now it is clear that Shirley Clamp is doing the female lead role as Florence.

VIDEO: Watch Clips of Samantha Barks, Ramin Karimloo, and More in CHESS in Japan
by Stephi Wild - Jan 25, 2020


As BroadwayWorld previously announced, a production of Chess is headed to Osaka's Umeda Arts Theater, starring Ramin Karimloo and Samantha Barks! Directed by Nick Winston, the production will run on January 27, 2020. The cast also features Luke Walsh, and Takanori Sato. Get a first look at the production in the new footage, featuring Karimloo, Barks, and the cast!

Chess FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What productions of Chess have there been?
Chess has had 14 productions including London Fringe which opened in 1984, West End which opened in 1986, Broadway which opened in 1988, Broadway which opened in 1988, Off-Broadway which opened in 1992, Milburn, NJ (Regional) which opened in 1992, Australia which opened in 1997, New York which opened in 1998, which opened in 2001, Broadway which opened in 2003, Broadway which opened in 2003, Washington, DC (Regional) which opened in 2018, West End which opened in 2018 and Broadway which opened in 2030.
What awards has Chess been nominated for?
Chess has been nominated for several awards, including Musical of the Year at the Olivier Awards for Benny Andersson, Bjorn Ulvaeus, and Tim Rice.

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