Following last year’s success with Jesus Christ Superstar, Southampton Operatic Society (SOS) will be performing another Tim Rice musical, the 1980s hit Chess, at the Nuffield Theatre in February.

Freddy Trumper, the ‘superbrat’ of the chess circuit, arrives in Merano, Italy to defend his world title against Russia’s rising star, Anatoly Sergievsky.

And so the game begins, in a multi-layered plot that pitches East against West, champion against champion and lover against wife.

The show’s many memorable tunes include international hits One Night in Bangkok and I Know Him So Well, along with the operatic Anthem and the emotional ballad Pity the Child.

“Chess is not often produced by amateur companies because it’s such a technically and vocally demanding show for the performers,” explains SOS director Roger Lamb.

“SOS is lucky in that we have the musical skill, principal talent and ensemble strength needed to do the show justice. I believe our audiences are in for a rare treat in every sense.”

Chess runs from February 3-7 at the Nuffield Theatre, Southampton, performances 7.30pm, Saturday matinee 2.30pm.

Opening night offer all tickets £11, otherwise £14 full / £12 concessions. Contact the box office on 023 8067 1771 or visit www.nuffieldtheatre.co.uk.