Chess at Shinfield Players Theatre
Published 4 Nov 2010 12:30
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At the height of the Cold War, global chess competitions regularly saw champion players from the USA and the USSR competing with each other in neutral locations around the world.
The propaganda kudos attached to these events was almost as important as the victory itself and this show involves a romantic triangle involving an American champion, his female second and the Russian champion with whom she falls in love.
Matther Filmore (Freddie Trumper) and Damian Thomas (Anatoly Sergiesky) each gave convincing portrayals as the two contestants.
This sing-through musical afforded them many vocal opportunities with their well-known numbers passionately delivered.
I have had the pleasure of watching Katie Cox develop over the years from a member of Shinfield’s Youth Group to the promising young actress she has become. Her compelling portrayal as Florence, the third party in the love triangle, was stunning, and all her musical numbers were powerfully delivered.
I Know Him So Well, the famous duet with Anatoly’s wife Svetlana (Caroline Kennedy) in Act Two was the highlight of the production.
Strong characterisations from the supporting cast, who coped well with former Abba stars Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Anderson’s difficult music, enhanced this most enjoyable evening. The Shinfield Players just keep getting better.
Barrie Theobald
This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 04 Nov 10
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