THE musical Chess celebrates its 25th anniversary this year and the Hitchin Thespians are bringing their version of the hit musical to The Gordon Craig Theatre in the Stevenage Arts and Leisure Centre. The brainchild of Tim Rice, it centres round the Inte

THE musical Chess celebrates its 25th anniversary this year and the Hitchin Thespians are bringing their version of the hit musical to The Gordon Craig Theatre in the Stevenage Arts and Leisure Centre.

The brainchild of Tim Rice, it centres round the International Chess Championships. As the young American contender adds a bit of excitement to the game, the young English woman falls in love with the Russian grandmaster. Behind the scenes the politicians try to manipulate the championships for their own political gain, using the central characters like pawns.

With hit songs, such as I Know Him So Well and One Night in Bangkok, written by the male members of ABBA with lyrics by Tim Rice, the musical score is breathtaking.

Performances take place at 7.45pm from March 10 to March 15. There will also be a matinee performance at 2.30pm on March 15.

Tickets, which start from £13.50, are available from the box office on 08700 131 030 or online at www.gordon-craig.co.uk