London Staging Synopsis

This is an attempt at explaining and showing how the London production was staged.
Hopefully this will give those who were not fortunate enough to see it live, some idea of
what it was like to be there in the Prince Edward Theatre all those years ago! To give an
indication of scale, each of the squares on the chess floor and backdrop were 42 inches
or approximately 107cms. I have not gone into every little detail and movement, but if
anybody has any questions, do please ask and I will try to find out if I don't already know.

~
When the audience enter the auditorium they are greeted by a black 'curtain' divided into
a grid of squares with silver strips. Originally the word CHESS and the Chess logo was
projected onto this, but after some months the logo was removed and only the word
remained. (I think the 'gobo', the stencil used to create the logo effect, became damaged
and was never replaced. Unfortunately I do not yet have an image of this.) The two banks
of television screens are of course visible at either side of the proscenium arch, but with
nothing showing on them at this point.

ACT ONE
As the lights and the Chess word and logo fade, the beautifully gentle first notes of The
Story of Chess begin to fill the auditorium. Behind the curtain, another black curtain flies
out, revealing the grid to be a gauze. Beyond this, in the centre of the stage a light slowly
picks out the shape of a 'wise man' dressed in oriental style robes and mask. As he begins
to explain the legend of chess, various characters dressed as ancient chess pieces
appear from amid the darkness and mist, enacting the story as it is told. On the final word
of They thus invented Chess the pieces line up as in the traditional starting positions of
a chess game and suddenly the entire stage becomes a huge chess board.

As the future history of the game is explained, the pieces proceed to move as in a game of
chess with each piece leaving the stage as they are captured, until by the very end only
three pieces remain - the original 'wise man' and two others. They remove the wise man's
robes and mask to reveal the Arbiter of the 1986 World Chess Championship. (The Story
of Chess)

The Arbiter announces that Freddrick Trumper of the United States of America (the
current world champion) will defend his title against Anatoly Sergievsky of the Soviet
Union. The first player to achieve six victories will be declared champion. The first game
will begin on March 27th.

A number of Merano citizens enter the stage, dressed in traditional costume and carrying
a huge banner welcoming the World Championships to their town. They gather together
to form a choir at stage left and begin to rehearse their song. As they continue to sing
they begin making their way to the local railway station, by circling the stage. As they do
so the large upstage screens slide open to reveal the beautiful Merano mountains
backdrop. The railway station truck is pushed into position upstage left and as the choir
reform at stage right, lights fade up on the station. When Freddie arrives (with Florence,
his chess second, Walter and several others) he dismisses all the fuss that the locals have
made and lives up to his bad boy reputation by mostly ignoring their welcome. He takes a
photo of Florence as she shakes hands with the Mayor. A local asks Florence for Freddie's

autograph, which she gets for him, but when Freddie is presented with a bunch of flowers
by the Mayor's young daughter he refuses them and leaves for his hotel, quickly followed
by Florence. Disheartened by Freddie's lack of interest, the citizens of Merano decide to
lavish their hospitality on the next person to come out of the station - a single backpacker.
They serenade him with their song, the Mayor and Mayoress welcome him with great
affection and hugs, the Mayor's daughter presents him with her bunch of flowers, while
other locals place flower garlands around his neck. Laden by his extra gifts he tries to sit
on his back pack, but falls to the ground as the Merano citizens wave him goodbye and
leave the stage. (Merano / What A Scene)

The backpacker picks himself up, gathers together his newly acquired possessions and
slowly leaves the stage (in a spot light) just behind him (in darkness) Freddie's hotel room
set is pushed into position. The chess floor is raised slightly out of the stage to enable a
smoother lift before a later revolve. The upstage right screen closes, leaving half of the
backdrop on view. The lights fade up on Freddie exercising with dumbbells, playing a
game of chess on a computer and then sitting on a rowing machine. Florence arrives with
a handful of newspapers. They discuss the press reaction to his behaviour. It becomes
clear that they are lovers, but there are some signs of possible strain in the relationship.
Florence tries to persuade him to tone down his anti Russian comments at the upcoming
press conference, but Freddie seems unlikely to comply. (Commie Newspaper)

The lights fade, with just Freddie in a spotlight, while the bed is revolved and the tables
and chairs etc. are carried off or moved upstage. Members of the press arrive, bringing on
chairs and sitting on these by the time the lights fade up. Freddie is abusive and smug,
insisting that he has nothing to fear from his Russian challenger. When a reporter makes a
remark about he and Florence being lovers, Freddie flies into a rage, punches the
reporter, knocking him to the floor before storming out. Florence is left to deal with the
reporters, but she does little more than blame them for Freddies reaction. The chess floor
rises completely out of its trough and begins to revolve. (Press Conference)

As the floor continues to revolve Anatoly's hotel room comes into view. The chair,
dressing screen and bed are the same as those used in Freddie's room - the bed's centre
drapes being pulled back to reveal a landscape painting. Freddie's long table is replaced
with a smaller round one. There is also the addition of some electronic equipment,
possibly bugging devices. The press conference has been watched on television by
Anatoly and his KGB employed second, Alexander Molokov. Molokov believes Freddie is
mad, but Anatoly knows that every move made by his opponent is calculated and made
with the intention to unnerve him and cause more publicity. Molokov goes on to imply that
Anatoly will have a tough time beating the American and that perhaps he should not leave
it completely to the moves he makes on the board. We learn that Florence Vassy has an
intriguing Hungarian background, 1956 and all that, but this is all we are told about her
at this point. Anatoly is angered to think that Molokov does not believe he can win without
resorting to underhand tactics. He tells Molokov to get out and find him a chess playing
second. Left alone, Anatoly reflects with discontent on the way his life has been
manipulated by his seconds and masters. At the end of the song, one of the Russian
delegates comes to Anatoly's room and offers to play chess with him. Anatoly tells him to,
"Go to hell." the lights fade out. (Anatoly & Molokov / Where I Want To Be)

Two delegates are spotlighted downstage, while upstage in darkness the doors for the
Arbiters chamber are flown in from the flies and the curved tables are brought on from
the wings. As the lights fade up the other Russian and American delegates appear with
Walter and Molokov welcoming each other with a friendly handshake. As they await the
Arbiter's arrival it becomes obvious that the championship battle is really between two
nations and not just two individual players. (US v USSR)

Eventually the Arbiter arrives, with his assistants storming through the doors, closely
followed by him. He proceeds to express his desire, in no uncertain terms, that the
matches should be played without any of the tantrums and disruptions which have

occurred in previous tournaments. A black board is wheeled through the doors, which has
written on it some of the incidents from those tournaments - chanting gurus, walk-outs,
tempered fists etc. The stage version included an extended instrumental dance break,
which saw the Arbiter and his assistants dancing around the chambers and on the tables.
(The Arbiters Song)

As the song ends the Arbiter takes his seat between the two tables and in front of the
doors. Florence arrives at the end of the Arbiter's song and joins the other American
delegates at their table. Having got his concerns off his chest the Arbiter is now willing to
listen to any pre match questions or objections. He overrules all the objections raised, but
agrees to further consider Walter de Courceys request to arrange a display of
merchandise in the arena. We learn that Walter is representing the television and other
companies who are making a substantial financial contribution to the tournament. With all
objections dealt with, the Arbiter attempts to remind all concerned that chess is really
what matters. He leads the delegates in a rendition of the federation hymn. A large golden
trophy style item with a globe at its top, is carried through the doors by the Arbiter's
assistants and positioned downstage centre. Lights fade down to just a light on the globe,
while up stage the Arbiter's doors and tables are removed. (Chess Hymn)

The lights go down on the globe and the upstage screens slide apart to reveal a
majorette, cheer leaders and other American themed merchandisers who march onto the
stage. The chess floor tilts at the back and lights up in a number of different variations as
the song continues. A row of advertising banners flies in upstage. Two revolving glitter
balls also appear from the flies. A second set of advertising banners fly in centre stage.

(These allow the Arbiter's arena desk to be brought onto the stage out of sight a little bit
later when the floor has become level again.) The merchandisers continue to put on a
lavish display and eventually throw a number of foam frisbees (with a Chess logo sticker
on one side) into the audience. They only curtail their commercial assault on the game
when they must make way for the actual commencement of the match. (Merchandisers)

Walter is seen directing the setting up of the arena. As the merchandisers clear the
stage, the floor begins to rise, revolve and tilt. The chess table and chairs are carried into
position. The stage video wall is seen for the first time as it is lowered from the flies. The
first game of the tournament begins with the whole world looking on with interest. On the
video walls above and at either side of the stage TV reports and commentary from around
the world are shown. During the game both players try to annoy and distract each other.
Anatoly is fidgety, taps his fingers, and walks about. Freddie becomes annoyed and at one
point kicks Anatoly under the table. At this, both players jump to their feet, a scuffle
begins and Freddie pushes Anatoly, resulting in the table getting knocked and the chess
pieces sprawling across the board and onto the floor, Freddie storms out. (Chess #1)

The Arbiter tries to reiterate his belief that he and he alone is in charge and in total control
of the game. (Arbiter Reprise) Florence is left to defend her players behaviour to a
pompous Molokov, while making it clear she knows the kind of underhand games he is
playing. During the discussions that follow, she an Anatoly talk for the first time. He
appears to show sympathy for what he perceives to be her thankless task of working for
Freddie. She makes it clear to him that she is perfectly happy working with the man she
perceives to be the best there is. The Arbiter rambles on about the rules and his power
within the arena. (Quartet A Model of Decorum and Tranquillity)

The Arbiter decrees that both players must return to the match within 24 hours or the
game will be declared null and void, with this he storms out of the arena. Anatoly also
leaves, while Florence and Molokov remain behind to discuss the situation further.
Molokov blames Florence and Freddie for bringing the game into disrepute, but Florence
is quick to retaliate and places the blame firmly on Molokov and Anatoly. Molokov then
makes his most antagonistic move and raises the subject of Florences family background.
Furious that he has called her a "Fellow Eastern European", she makes it quite clear that
she views him and his fellow countrymen as being guilty of robbing her of her people, her
homeland and in particular her father. Unable to defend his countrys actions, Molokov
reverts back to the subject of chess. Florence decides that Anatoly and Freddie must
meet to discuss their differences. She gives Molokov a leaflet for the Merano Mountain Inn

and tells him that this is where the meeting will take place. Towards the end of the scene,
the stage slowly returns to a flat position and begins to revolve as the scene ends.
(Molokov and Florence)

The floor continues to revolve, bringing what was the back of the Arbiter's arena desk to
front centre stage and it now forms part of a television control desk. The stage video wall
remains in position and a black gauze is flown in behind it to hide the set preparations for
the next scene. Florence tracks down Freddie to the control room, where he is arguing
with Walter about the amount of money he is getting paid per game. Freddie is angry that
he is having to deal with Walter and believes that it is Florence who should be looking
after his business interests. She has had enough of his behaviour and warns him that he
will lose her if he doesnt change his ways. He tries to disarm her by bringing up the issue
of her father and the Hungarian uprising of 1956, during which he went missing and is
now presumed dead. (1956 Budapest is Rising)
Florence is furious that he should use her past to try and bring her back on side, but
before she can say much he stages another walk out and leaves her on her own. She
begins to think about her situation and realises that everybody is playing their own game
for their own motives and perhaps it's time that she did the same. In a state of frustration
she starts to spin the control desk's swivel chairs and frantically pressing any and all
buttons on the control desk, resulting in her flooding the video wall with 64 images of
herself. At the end of the song, the video wall goes blank and it is flown back into the flies
as the lights fade off. (Nobodys Side)

Florence is lit by a spotlight as she makes her way to down stage right and puts on her
coat in preparation for her meeting at the Merano inn. As the lights fade up, the Merano
Inn set piece is slowly pushed from upstage to centre stage, with the Merano locals
drinking, singing and dancing in front of it. Florence arrives at the inn and is soon joined
by Anatoly. Due to the noise she is unable to hear what he is saying and indicates that
they should go outside where they wait for Freddie. (Der Kleine Franz)

The chess floor now begins to revolve and rise with the Merano Inn being pushed towards
the back of the stage, now with its outside walls on view. The Inn is 'anchored' at the very
back of the floor as it settles at an impressive tilt and is underlit in white. (After a few
months the inn was considered not as safe as desired and was cut from the show.) On the
mountain Anatoly and Florence are initially awkward in each others company, but
eventually discover there is an attraction between them. (Mountain Duet)

Thrown off guard by their feelings and possibly the idyllic nature of the location they
gently embrace. Freddie arrives (from inside the inn - though once the inn set was
scrapped, he had to climb up over the edge of the floor via a step ladder.) he is just in
time to see their embrace. He is furious, but although he is shocked by Florences
behaviour he announces that he has struck a new deal, which means more money for

both players and for that reason he has agreed to continue the game. (Whod Ever Think
It?)
The floor revolves and returns to a flat position. A black screen flies in (to hide the
removal of the inn set) followed by the video wall. The chess table and chairs are brought
centre stage. The original Arbiter's arena desk is not used in this scene, nor is the floor
tilted as per Chess #1. As the games proceed, Freddies concentration is shattered and by
the end of play he has lost five games and won only two. (Chess #2)

The players stand up from the table and the lights fade, Freddie is picked up by a
spotlight, while the bedroom set is quickly brought on stage. In their room, Freddie
blames Florence for his sudden loss of form. They throw accusations at each other and
eventually Florence packs her bags and leaves him. (Florence Quits)

His rejection by Florence pushes Freddie into a spiral of self pity. He wallows in the
unhappiness that was his childhood, which although it provided the catalyst and the force
behind his initial determination to become a chess grandmaster, now seems to rob him of
his strength. Without Florence by his side he feels unable to fight for his title any longer
and decides to write a letter of resignation from the match. Lights fade with Freddie in a
spotlight as he curls up on the bed, fading to darkness as the play-out ends. (Pity The
Child)

Freddie's bedroom set is quickly wheeled off and the Arbiter's chamber doors fly in - the
tables are not used for this scene. As the lights fade up, the chess delegates and press
are gathered in the chambers, Anatoly and Florence arrive. Anatoly tries to talk with her,
but his delegates prevent him. The Arbiter is handed Freddie's letter and announces
Freddie's resignation. The Russian delegates are obviously delighted and Anatoly is
engulfed by them and the press. He breaks free from their embraces and makes his way
to shake hands with Florence. He is about to return to his delegates when he suddenly
grabs her by the hand and runs with her from the chambers. (Defection)

Chaos ensues as everybody tries to work out what has happened. A camera man and
reporter record a television announcement downstage centre (picked up in spotlights)

their report being screened on the side video walls, while upstage in darkness the
Embassy set is flown in and the tables and chairs are put in position.
It is now the following day and as Anatoly, Florence and Walter wait to be seen at the
British Embassy the officials discuss the fact that someone seeking asylum is nothing
very special or of any great importance to them. Their opinions are not altered when they
eventually get to meet Anatoly. Walter makes it clear that he has the backing of a certain
'agency' presumably the CIA. Anatoly's asylum is given further consideration. (Embassy
Lament)

While Anatoly and Walter remain with the officials going through various papers, Florence
moves to the waiting room. She begins to think about the situation she now finds herself
and how this new relationship might develop in the future. (Heaven Help My Heart)

Anatoly is eventually given his asylum. While Florence, Anatoly and Walter leave the
embassy, we see the embassy officials indulging in a game of tiddlywinks, just before the
lights fade out.
Anatoly, Florence and Walter make a full circle of the stage, lit by spotlights while the
station set is put in place. Anatoly is totally unaware that the press are waiting for him at
the station, having been given a tip off in advance by Walter. They persistently ask him
why he is leaving Russia, about his family and if his wife will be joining him in his exile.
Frustrated by their intrusion into his life he eventually answers them with a statement that
claims, although he may cross boarders, his heart will always be with his country. The
Train Station set is removed, the press and Florence leave and the song continues with
Anatoly alone on an empty stage, at the end Florence returns and waits for him upstage
left. (Anthem)

ACT TWO
Act two originally began with an extended version of (Golden Bangkok) incorporating
several musical themes from other songs in the show and staged as an oriental ballet. The
cast wore gold satin and silk costumes and Thai style head pieces. The chess board was
lit in black and red.

Anatoly and Florence are in Bangkok to defend Anatolys title against a new Soviet
challenger. Freddie Trumper is also there, but he has given up playing chess and is now
working for Global Television as a commentator on the tournament. At the end of the
Golden Ballet the dancers run off stage and the upstage screens open to reveal Freddie.
For his opening report he records a travelogue of the exotic city of Bangkok. As Freddie

explores the city he meets an array of its exotic and fascinating inhabitants. When he
reaches the red light district three huge banks of neon signs are flown in. The only set
piece on the stage is a bar counter that doubles as a massage parlour table. At the end of
the song, Freddie does a report about the upcoming tournament, this is recorded live by a
camera on stage and relayed to the two side video walls and on the TV in Florence and
Anatolys hotel room. (One Night In Bangkok)

As Freddie is doing his speech, lit only by a spotlight, the set for Florence and Anatolys
hotel room is moved into position. The back screens open to reveal a beautiful skyline of
Thai temple roofs. As the lights come up, they are seen watching Freddies report on
television. Anatoly uses the remote to change the channel and Abba's video for Money,
Money, Money comes on the screen. He switches back to Freddie's report then turns off
the television. He seems distressed by the fact that Freddie is in Bangkok and worried
that he might be there to try and win back Florence. She assures him that Freddie is only
there for the money. Florence brings up the subject of Anatolys wife, Svetlana, who is
rumoured to be planning to come to Bangkok. Anatoly assures her that he knew nothing
about this and that it is obviously Molokov who has arranged it. Together they realise that
their lives could become difficult now that other forces are being brought in to bear on
their relationship. At the end of the song Anatoly receives a phone call telling him the car
has arrived to take him to a television interview that Walter has arranged. (You And I)

As Anatoly prepares to leave the hotel, the floor begins to revolve, revealing a room in the
hotel where Molokov has gathered his cronies. We hear Florence's last words from the
previous scene coming over a speaker in the room, revealing to us that the Russian's have
bugged her and Anatoly's room.
Molokov is delighted with the effect the threat of Svetlanas presence is already having on
Anatoly. He tries to convince his cronies to be as confident as he is about the outcome of
the forthcoming matches. Their new man, Leonid Viigand, is 'a disciplined Soviet chess
playing machine', who Anatoly has no hope of defeating. The delegates spend the night
drinking and are soon as enthusiastic about Molokov's plans and he is. They grow
increasingly jovial, resulting in an energetic display of Russian dancing. (The Soviet
Machine)

As the night draws on, Molokovs cronies begin to fall asleep where they are sitting, all
except Viigand who has sat playing chess throughout the revelry, totally oblivious to his
surroundings. When he completes the game and leaves for bed, Molokov makes a
telephone call to Walter de Courcey. He explains that he has proof that Florences father is
still alive and if Walter wants to stage a great human rights victory then they are going to
be able to help each other. Molokov gives a waiter an envelope for Walter and as the
waiter is seen walking across the front of the stage in a spotlight, the Soviet Machine set
is removed.
The stage video wall flies in and two trucks with a sofa and a news desk are wheeled on,
along with two television cameras. In the studio Walter and Freddie discuss the interview
that Walter has arranged with Anatoly, though he omitted to tell him who his interviewer
would be. Walter had originally told Freddie that the interview should be a genuine
interview about chess, but now after hearing from Molokov he tells Freddie he can 'go for
the jugular just like he wanted'. Anatoly arrives and although shocked to see Freddie in
the interviewers seat he allows the interview to begin. The broadcast is screened on
both the stage and side video walls. Freddie puts Anatoly under considerable stress by
asking a host of personal questions, about Florence, his wife, politics but never about

chess. Anatoly eventually storms out when a video of Svetlana is shown. (TV Interview)

The television studio set is wheeled off and the stage is left clear, though the stage video
wall briefly continues to show an image of Molokov talking with Svetlana. As various
members of the delegations, hotel guests, Florence, Antoly, Freddie etc. arrive on stage,
the floor tilts slightly at the back, lights up as a chess board and then in various other
'chasing' combinations of lighting sequences and blocks of white squares. The stage
video wall shows a chess board and various game scores throughout The Deal. The floor
slowly levels out and rises from its trough as Molokov speaks with Svetlana, who has now
arrived in Bangkok and is promptly told by Molokov that she must tell her husband that he
must lose the game.

The floor begins to revolve as Svetlana moves towards Anatoly and tries to convince him
that he should throw the match for her sake and his familys.
The floor continues to revolve throughout the following mini scenes.

Walter tries to convince Florence that her father is alive and that to secure his release she
must convince Anatoly to throw the match. Florence refuses to strike any deal.
Walter tries to bluff Molokov into thinking that Florence was happy to go along with their
plan. He is not so easily convinced so Walter suggests that Freddie may be able to help.
Walter tells Freddie that he has got a deal to get Florences father out of prison, but if he
wants to help her he must convince Anatoly to throw the game. Anatoly is less than
interested in hearing what Freddie has to say and refuses any kind of deal.
Freddie then tries to make up with Florence, with the promise that if she comes back to
him they can once again be a great chess team. Florence is not interested in bringing
back their golden era and rejects Freddie once again. Freddie admits to Florence that he
still loves her, but she still ignores his pleas. During this section the floor comes to a halt
in its normal position, tilted slightly at the back. (The Deal)

As the stage clears, the video wall flies out and a set of lattice and louvered arches fly in.
Florence and Svetlana are making their own exits when they notice each other. They both
feel certain that they know what is best for Anatoly, though they both think differently
about what exactly that is. As they discuss their situation it becomes clear that Anatoly is

a complicated man who neither of them can ever truly understand. (I Know Him So Well)

At the end of the song Florence and Svetlana leave and the arches fly out. The back
sliders open to reveal a beautiful Bangkok skyline and a group of Buddest Monks who
walk to centre stage into a temple set that has flown in from the flies. This was originally
called the Temple of the Reclining Budha, but when it was realised that the Budha that
was visible in the set was not reclining, it was changed to the Golden Budha. The monks
sit down to pray in the middle of the temple.
Anatoly arrives, reading from a piece of paper.Meet me in the temple of the
Reclining/Golden Buddha. Meet who? He soon discovers who, when Freddie arrives and
claims to have noticed a flaw in Viigands strategies. Because he loves chess so much he
says that he wants to help Anatoly. The monks stand up and leave stage left and right.
Anatoly is surprised but grateful for Freddie's advice and they proceed to look at various
moves on a pocket chess set. Anatoly seems convinced that Freddie's love of the game is
genuine and when he asks him if he could ever lose a game for the wrong reason, Freddie
simply says, How could you let mediocrity win. and leaves. (Talking Chess)

The Temple set flies out as the back sliders open to reveal the chorus lined up as in a
choir and singing the Champions introduction. Anatoly remains on the floor in a spotlight
for several minutes, contemplating what Freddie has shown and said to him. He eventually
gets up and leaves as the chorus begin to move forward. They make a slow procession
towards the front of the stage, with the floor slowly rising and then revolving into a
substantial rake as the chorus, Anatoly, Florence etc. take their positions.

Although in reality Anatoly is playing Viigand, during this scene only Anatoly is seen at the
chess board, which is positioned at the front of the stage with Anatoly facing the
audience. The stage video wall is not used for this scene, though at certain points scores
are shown on the side walls. Throughout the game Anatoly deals with his demons, his
emotions and his conscience while being analysed and judge by all and sundry. In the end
he fights for the championship and retains his title. (Endgame)

As Anatoly is declared the winner, the floor begins to lower and revolve back to its normal
position. Everybody leaves the stage and only Anatoly and Florence remain. Anatoly
explains that he had to win to be free from the kind of bureaucracy that Molokov
represents. Florence claims that neither of them is free and that he has to go back to
Russia, to his wife and family. Anatoly mentions her father and they confirm that once
again life is preventing them from being together.
They do a circuit of the stage, while the back drop changes to show a night time image of
an airport runway. At the airport they say their farewells, both painfully aware that their
story will never have the chance to be completed but still wishing they could believe that
it could have had a happy ending. (You And I)

Left alone at the airport Florence is approached by Walter who tells her that he believes
Anatolys return to the Soviet Union was a very generous gesture and that in return she
will get her father back soon, though this will depend on him still being alive, which, it
seems nobody is actually certain about.
Florence realises that she and Anatoly have been tricked and used like pawns in the
games that have been played around them. Devastated by her situation she realises that
she is once again little more than a refugee with only herself to rely on.

The back screens begin to close, lights on the airport backdrop fade, while the Arbiter
makes his way to centre stage and the rest of the chorus slowly make their way double file
down each side of the board. (Anthem Reprise)

Move back to HOME