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Chess Tickets
4.7 14 reviews from 14 verified reviews- Starring: Michael Ball, Alexandra Burke, Cedric Neal, Tim Howar, Cassidy Janson
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Chess in London
Starring:
Michael Ball, Alexandra Burke, Cedric Neal, Tim Howar, Cassidy Janson
Is this really a musical about a chess game? Well, yes and no. It’s about two grandmasters – that’s the highest title you can ever be awarded for playing chess – and a match for ultimate supremacy. But it’s also set in the middle of the Cold War, when two governments were vying the same political title, the grandmaster of the world (so to speak).It’s also about love – because what would a musical be if we didn’t throw in a complicated love interest too! Back in 1986, when it first premiered, that love interest was played by none other than West End superstar, Elaine Paige.
But still, why do I want to see a musical about Chess?Well, it’s not been on in the West End for over 30 years, so it’s pretty exciting that it’s coming back. Also, it’s playing at the London Coliseum, which is running full steam ahead with musical revivals at the moment. Don’t forget, it recently had Katherine Jenkins with Alfie Boe in Carousel. Before that, the stage was graced by the presence of Glenn Close and Michael Xavier for Sunset Boulevard.
Who’s it by? It better be someone good for me to watch a show about Chess! Oh, it absolutely is. The music is composed by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus – they’re from ABBA, so they know a thing or two about writing catchy songs! The lyrics are by Sir Tim Rice, who’s had more than a couple of hits on the West End…Think Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat; think Evita; think Jesus Christ Superstar. He’s done some others too in case you haven’t heard of those – basically, he’s a pretty huge deal.
Sounds like it’s full of great talent! But it’s a musical and I don’t know any of the songs! Yes, you do. In fact, the original production, which premiered on the West End in 1986, was preceded by a concept album in 1984. That was a long time ago, granted, but the most famous song from the show is “I Know Him So Well”. It was originally sung by Barbara Dickson and Paige, got to number 1 in 1985 for three weeks and won an Ivor Novell Award. It’s also widely listed as one of the Top 10 best-selling duets ever in the UK. Play it now and watch yourself unexpectedly singing along!
Chess Official Theatre Tickets
Our central reservation system connects you directly to the London Coliseum box office system. We provide live & full availability for Chess tickets, from VIP and premium, to top price and discount tickets, helping you choose the perfect tickets for your budget. Pick your seats from our interactive seating plan and get your theatre tickets emailed to you instantly after your booking. Simply present your e-tickets at the door on the day and experience what London & the West End have best to offer: the magic of theatre. Buying tickets for Chess has never been easier.
Chess Ticket Information
- Booking until:
Saturday, 2 June 2018
- Age restrictions
No under 5s
- Important Information
The appearance of any given artist is not guaranteed and no refunds or exchanges will be available should changes be made from the advertised cast
No food or drink purchased off-site including alcohol, soft drinks and water are permitted inside the theatre.
- Cancellations & Refunds
Once booked, tickets to Chess are usually non exchangeable and non refundable as per our terms & conditions. In practice, however, we will do our best to accommodate your request as long as we are notified at least 48 hours before the performance. Please contact us for more information.
Chess cheap tickets
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Chess reviews
What to expect:
ActingMusic
Costumes
Story
Lighting
- Recommended for:
- Couples (93%)
- Theatregoers (93%)
Latest customer reviews
All reviews are from customers who have been invited to leave a review just after seeing Chess.
Please note the reviews below are from an old production of Chess.
verified
Updated version of a great musicalI've seen the show 32years ago in London and was thrilled to see it again. New lighting and other modern stage technology add to the experience today. The singers were brilliant and at least one song was added to the original recording. In short: great performance, wonderful music and excellent singers! Bravo
P Reviewed on 04 June 2018 by Peter
Raemismuehle, Switzerland
verified
Tremendous musical experienceAlready seen the Show 1989, this new show was outstanding, I am just thrilled, all voices were perfect, it was a touching perfomance. I am so sad that it runs only for such a short while. I came from Vienna because of one reason: to see this show (twice), man, how glad, happy and lucky I am ...
R Reviewed on 03 June 2018 by Reinhard
Vienna, Austria
verified
Amazing Show , wonderful Music . Perfect!!!!A must have seen musical
A Reviewed on 25 May 2018 by Andreas
Cologne, Germany
verified
A must seeD Reviewed on 22 May 2018 by Dainis
Howald, Luxembourg
verified
Just what a west end show should beDidn't know what to expect but Chess gas everything! The fact that there us a fully orchestra, very talented singers and great use of video and lighting makes this a must see show for theatre goers.
J Reviewed on 19 May 2018 by Jennifer
Bedford, United Kingdom
verified
Good entertainmentT Reviewed on 18 May 2018 by Tony
Wellington, New Zealand
verified
Michael Ball - he's the man!Never seen Chess before...there is only one song that I know/knew...but to be honest you just have to enjoy it in the moment Michael Ball is fabulous...and so is Alexander Burke and the rest of the cast....just enjoy the wonderful sound they create - in an amazing venue...with a really good set. Oh and the orchestra are great!
C Reviewed on 13 May 2018 by Colin
Didcot, United Kingdom
verified
MagnificentAn excellent update on the original using clever effects and graphics
J Reviewed on 10 May 2018 by John
Diss, United Kingdom
verified
AmazingShame it will be such a short run meaning many will miss out. Direction and production immaculate, singing brilliant, acting superb - a spectacular touching all the senses!
J Reviewed on 10 May 2018 by Jan
Worcester, United Kingdom
verified
OverproducedI am a fan of the score having never seen a production. To say I was disappointed is overly simple. The sets were fantastic but the video over done and silly at times. Voices were good but at times seemed screeching. Casting seemed out of place for characters and distracting when following plot. I couldn’t sit through it ever again!
G Reviewed on 06 May 2018 by Gregg
New York, United States
verified
Great showLiked it immensely but thought casting a bit odd.
M Reviewed on 03 May 2018 by Martyn
Horley, United Kingdom
2018
Second Look: CHESS at ENO London Coliseum
by Stuart King | Thursday, May 3 2018, 11:57
CHESS represents a quite extraordinary and singular accomplishment in musical theatre: essentially, the original is almost universally loved by anyone who has anything whatsoever to do with... musical theatre.
2018
Review: CHESS at the London Coliseum
by Phil Willmott | Wednesday, May 2 2018, 12:25
There's an old theatrical adage, the clean version of which goes, “You can't polish a dud but you can roll it in glitter" and oh, the glitter wrapped around the first ever revival of rock musical CHESS currently enjoying a limited run at the London Coliseum.
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