CHESS
national youth music theatre
curve, leicester
★★★★
National Youth Music Theatre, or otherwise known as NYMT, has been at the forefront of the British Musical Theatre scene for 46 years. They enable thousands of young people from across the UK to develop both their creative and personal potential in this tough profession. NYMT is a great foundation for these young people. Their programmes take place through regular half-term workshops and residential holiday courses. CHESS is a product of the 2022 programme. It is performing a short run at Curve as part of their commitment as Associate Artists.
The 1984 musical tells a story of love and political intrigue. It is set against the background of the Cold War in the late 1970s/early 1980s. Superpowers attempt to manipulate an international chess championship for political ends.
This musical comes with a variety of hit singles, well-known numbers include 'I Know Him So Well', 'Anthem' and 'One Night in Bangkok'. In fact, according to The Guinness Book of Records, the single “I Know Him So Well” remains the most successful ever by a female duo, retaining the No.1 spot in the UK Singles Charts for 4 weeks. These familiar songs are well rehearsed and integrated into NYMT's production. A particular highlight was Tilly Ducker's rendition of 'Nobody's Side' under her character Florence Vasey. The musical, which recently had a limited run at Theatre Royal Drury Lane saw Samantha Barks as the role of Florence. Undeniably this song is a showstopper and Tilly Ducker absolutely showed she had the ability to go forth as a leading lady.
NYMT's production of Benny Andersson, Tim Rice and Björn Ulvaeus' musical is extremely powerful. Alex Sutton's directing style ensures that each of these young people have an opportunity to shine. It is a particularly lengthy production but the delivery keeps the audience completely engrossed until the curtain goes down. Sutton does a great job at making use of the different levels, this adds a well needed dynamic to this politically driven storyline. Award-nominated Set and Lighting Designer Andrew Exeter really captures a striking portrayal of the intensity of this overall production. The space is largely emphasised by concrete blocks poised over the stage. These blocks play an important part in showcasing the lighting skill of Andrew too.
Georgie Lagden (Arbiter) and Spike Maxwell's (Alexander Molokov)'s performances were particularly strong. They both bought something really engaging and powerful to their characters.
The young people in this production of CHESS are a credit to their level of professionalism and execution they delivered. They each brought an outstanding performance whilst contending with sound issues that didn't always play by the rules. The main ensemble are very impressive. Although large in numbers, they remain focused throughout the show. They managed to add depth and bring more life into the vast space within the Curve studio. Their contribution besides the leading casts ensure that this production is executed well. Although there is still some work to do with the sound to ensure NYMT's CHESS is even better!
A powerful production but just needs one more move to checkmate!
You can find out all of the latest information from NYMT by visiting their website here.
