Abba back in game as Chess is revived

ABBA’S Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson last night checked back in with theatre maestro Tim Rice for the re-opening of musical Chess.

They reunited for the show’s West End revival at London’s Coliseum theatre more than 30 years after it opened.

Written by Rice, 73, with music from Björn, also 73, and Benny, 71, the trio first posed together for the musical’s debut in 1986. Also attending was Elaine Paige, who starred in the original production.

The new run stars Olivier award-winner Michael Ball and Alexandra Burke, who won The X Factor in 2008.

Chess follows grandmasters Russian Anatoly Sergievsky, (Ball), and his US rival Frederick Trumper (Tim Howard), battling it out during the Cold War.

Last month, Abba announced they will release music for the first time in 35 years. But the Swedish group – completed by Anni-Frid Lyngstad and Agnetha Fältskog – denied reports they will tour.

Author: Tom Stichbury