Strictly star Alexandra Burke to join Michael Ball in new West End production of Chess

ALEXANDRA BURKE and Michael Ball will star in the first West End production of Chess since 1986, it has been announced.

The new staging of the show by Abba’s Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus with Tim Rice will also star Mike And The Mechanics singer Tim Howar.

We're pleased to announce that @mrmichaelball, @alexandramusic, Murray Head, @timhowar and @cassidyjanson will star in #ENOChess playing a strictly limited 5 week season at the London Coliseum from 26 April. https://t.co/JqS10OVK6d pic.twitter.com/q3IFm6SA6X

— Chess The Musical (@chessthemusical) February 16, 2018

The musical tells a story of love and political intrigue, set against the background of the Cold War in the late 1970s and early 1980s, in which superpowers attempt to manipulate an international chess championship for political ends.

33 years ago people! #ChessMusical #ENOChess pic.twitter.com/sUvyFTW4Bq

— Chess The Musical (@chessthemusical) February 4, 2018

Ball will play the role of Anatoly while Burke will play Svetlana.

Chess will open at the London Coliseum on April 26 for a five-week season, with press night on May 1.