The musical, written by Tim Rice and ABBA's Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Anderson, tells the story of two Cold War chess masters whose battle for the title of world chess champion is outdone by an even greater contest for the heart of the female protagonist, Florence Vassey.
The modern staging brings together an impressive cast of West End actors and musicians, as well as the creative talents of lighting designer Ben Cracknell and video designer Jack James. UK theatrical supplier Stage Electrics was responsible for providing all the production's lighting and video equipment.
The innovative lighting design by Ben Cracknell features a significant number of Clay Paky Alpha Profile 1500s, supplied by Stage Electrics. "Much of the set is composed of video floor and walls in addition to perspex surfaces internally lit by LED," says Cracknell, "so I needed a bright light that could cut it against the LED."
Cracknell also explained how the Alpha Profile's beam-framing system became an important component of the show. "In reference to the game of Chess, we used the Profiles to focus the action within sharply defined squares of light drawing the audience in, much like a close up."
"Supplying Chess with lighting and video equipment has been very rewarding," commented Mark Burnett, business development manager for Stage Electrics. "The production brings together Stage Electrics with the creative teams of Chess, and further cements our position as a leading multi-discipline technical supplier."
The show continues to tour the UK with John Delaney as touring chief electrician. Ben Pitts and Pete Lambert are credited as production electricians while the lighting was programmed by Stuart Cross and Chris Winn.
(Jim Evans)
