The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Pupils at Spalding Grammar School are to put on a rock opera next month.
Chess is described as ‘a complex rock opera about love, betrayal and fame’ set to music by ABBA songwriters Benny Anderson and Bjorn Ulvaeus with Tim Rice providing some of the lyrics.
Director and head boy Jack Wheatley, said. “For a musical about a seemingly boring board game, Chess is centred around a love triangle between the American grandmaster, his chess second and his Russian opponent in picturesque Merano, Italy and steamy Bangkok, Thailand.
“Set in the early 1980s, Cold War tensions run high between the United States and the Soviet Union as both sides battle it out to win the international chess title, but personal feelings get in the way.
“Both players are consistently scrutinised by the press, the Russian is torn between his country and his lover, and both delegations make dodgy deals to ensure the match goes their way.
“The show is sung-through and will be supported by a professional 17-piece orchestra throughout, featuring hit songs ‘One Night in Bangkok’ and ‘I Know Him So Well’, made famous by Elaine Paige and Barbara Dickson.”
The performances are at the school at 7pm on Thursday and Friday March 7 and 8.
Tickets cost £8.50 for adults and £650 for children and are available from www.ticketsource.co.uk/spalding-grammar-school
