Chess in Concert

“The labelling of this production as a ‘concert’ is deceptive, as Winston’s staging and choreography make his performance of ‘Chess’ feel like a full scale production. With two rising staircases either side of the stage, it makes the stage feel like a combat zone as battles of politics, affection and of course chess play out. The staging aids the ballad ‘Mountain Duet’ as Florence and Anatoly are able to walk down the staircases and intimately meet each other in the middle. By the time we get to the powerfully conclusive ‘You And I (Reprise)’ at the end of the musical, their connection has been illuminated and there is not a dry eye in the house.”

THE INDEPENDENT ★★★★★

“This production was clearly a labour of love for Winston, whose favourite musical it is. He also directed it in January this year in Japan, with Samantha Barks and Ramin Karimloo. He managed to convey his own vision of Chess through dance, perhaps the way legendary choreographer Michael Bennett would have done, if he had lived on to direct the original London production in 1986, as was planned.”

MUSICAL THEATRE REVIEW ★★★★★

“Directed and Choreographed by Nick Winston, based on his 2020 Japan production, this new Chess avoids the issues of previous productions and instead presents a streamlined and slick version of this iconic score. With power-house vocals, clever and effective choreography and commanding emotive performances this Chess is so much more than a concert.”

WEST END WILMA ★★★★★

“Winston actually presents less of a concert and more of an almost-fully-formed production. It's impressively choreographed for what was initially believed to be the frontal performance of the score. With a set that feels like a modernist battle ground with two rising staircases, strong lighting beams throughout and a contemporary choreography (also by Winston) that runs through the two hours.”

BROADWAY WORLD ★★★★

“Directed by Nick Winston, this is one of those ‘concerts’ we have seen several times over the last year which is deceptive in its title as it has more staging than you would expect. Nick also choreographs in sequences that truly bring the stage to life. The sequences where actual chess matches are played are far more watchable thanks to the beautiful movement from the talented ensemble cast. An unexpected highlight came from act 2 number ‘The Soviet Machine’ featuring some truly amazing choreography, leading to the most exciting number of the show visually.”

ALL THAT DAZZLES ★★★★

“Truly thrilling, star-making performance. Director and choreographer Nick Winston has wisely edited out everything that interferes with the love story.”

THE STAGE ★★★★

“Director and choreographer Nick Winston revisits his previous production, after first directing Chess The Musical back in a 2020 Japanese production (also headed up by leading lady Samantha Barks). Winston strips the show back to basics, fully utilizing the fantastic ensemble to add spectacle to the show with dramatic choreography.”

THEATRE FAN ★★★★

“Director Nick Winston put on the show in a previous iteration in Japan and has superbly brought it to the London stage with a version that puts the focus strongly on storytelling, both through the music and the buoyant choreography.”

REWRITE THE STORY ★★★★