Review - Chess - Bristol Hippodrome

The news that Chess was touring sent me in to paroxysms of joy, not having seen it since the original tour back in the 80s with Peter Joback in it. And this updated version did not disappoint at all. James Fox shrugs off his Eurovision past with a strong and moving performance as the singularly obsessed American player, Trumper, shining particularly on "Pity The Child". Director Craig Revel Horwood produced a coup by staging the orchestra on stage as chess pieces, but this meant that the orchestra was essentially a chamber ensemble, which meant that "One Night In Bangkok" lost the visceral edge to the music. However, a fantastic "Russian Machine", a series of other showstoppers and a constant feast for the eyes with the light, movement and dance made this a triumphant return for a show that hasn't played in too long a time. And Craig RH was in the audience too. 4.5/5