A BOUTIQUE hotel became the setting for the Durham Musical Theatre Company's photo shoot as they began began rehearsals for their latest production.

The cast of Chess – a Musical Love Story, needing an exotic location to represent the chess tournament as well as first-class hotels in Merano, Italy and Bangkok, Thailand, were offered the services of Durham's Hotel Indigo.

Following on from last year’s multi-award winning production of Evita, DMTC is staging this new version of Chess – a Musical Love Story, which has never before been seen in Durham.

With lyrics by Tim Rice, and partnered by the music writing Abba duo, Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, Chess is a heart-rending love story of a woman torn between two men, who happen to be the world’s greatest chess champions, one American and one Russian.

Set against the background of the Cold War, the two governments attempt to manipulate an international chess championship for their own political ends. In this love triangle of political intrigue, their personal lives are constantly being influenced by the superpowers, and the heightened passions of these political struggles threaten to destroy both their lives and loves.

Chess opened in London in 1986 and starred Elaine Paige. The score became an instant sensation and includes the ABBA hit numbers: “I Know Him So Well”, “One Night in Bangkok”, “Anthem”, “Pity the Child”, “Heaven Help My Heart” and “Someone Else’s Story”.

Chess will be at the Gala Theatre at 7pm from May 19 to 23 with 2pm matinees on Wednesday and Friday. Box office: 03000 266600 or online at www.galadurham.co.uk.