Next week Newport Operatic Society will present at the Dolman Theatre the magnificent West End Musical “Chess” with Lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Benny Anderson and Bjorn Ulvaeus of “Abba”.

This fascinating musical opened in the West End in 1986 to critical acclaim and ran for 3 years with Elaine Paige and Murray Head headlining the original cast. The score contains a number of hit songs including “I Know Him so Well”, “Anthem” and “One Night in Bangkok”, which are as fresh today as when they first appeared on the concept album for the show in 1984.

The plot is as thrilling as the music, centring on the rivalry between Russian and American Chess Champions at Championships in Italy and Thailand. Added to this rivalry is the background of the “Cold War” and a romantic entanglement between the woman who initially manages and loves the American, but then falls for the Russian. So unravels an intriguing story of competition and manoeuvres, both on the chessboard and in the lives of the principal characters.

This show has something for everyone with love, betrayal, competition, intrigue, a stunning musical score and a clever plot. Don’t miss this chance to see this rarely performed masterpiece of modern musical theatre.

Performances will run from Wednesday 19th to Saturday 22nd November 2014 7.15pm nightly and tickets cost £11 each. Tickets are available online via www.dolmantheatre.co.uk, by telephone on 01633 891363 or from the Dolman Theatre Box Office on Saturday from 11am to 2pm and then each evening of performance from 6.30pm to 7.00pm.