As two contenders are currently battling for the title of 'best chess player in the world' at the World Chess Championship in Kazakhstan, Penarth Operatic & Dramatic Society (PODS) are preparing to bring their very own version of the World Championship to Penarth in the form of Chess, the musical written by the iconic Sir Tim Rice with ABBA legends Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus.

In Kazakhstan, Ian Nepomniachti of Russia and Ding Liren of China are playing the best of 14 nail-biting chess games in the hope of winning not only the title but a share of the 2 million Euro prize fund. Chess is big business and in the musical, which is on at the Paget Rooms in Penarth from 17th to 20th May, Anatoly Sergievsky of Russia and Freddie Trumper of the USA are also battling for the title and the prize money.

In the musical, Chess tells a story of political intrigue and set against the background of the Cold War in the late 1970's and early 80's, the two chess masters travel from the snow-capped mountains of Italy to Bangkok as they play out their moves. But their greatest contest is actually for the love of one woman.

 The score features incredible songs such as One Night in Bangkok, Nobody's Side, Anthem and I Know Him so Well which took Elaine Paige and Barbara Dickson to the number one spot in the UK charts for four weeks.

Fiona Porter-Smith, who is directing Chess for PODS said, "The story of Chess has the drama, tension and a whole lot more that you would find at a world championship. The characters are amazing and the lyrics are phenomenal with so many beautiful songs. I was really fortunate to play the role of Svetlana in Chess when it was performed in Penarth 21 years ago so I jumped at the chance to direct it for PODS this year. To say that I can't wait to bring it to the stage next month is an understatement – it's the most incredible show."

PODS has been been providing award-winning, first class community theatre for almost 100 years and Chess follows hot on the heels of recent hit productions including The Full Monty, The Good Life, The Snow Queen and Treasure Island. PODS have assembled an absolutely terrific cast of over 30 performers for Chess and it's a show not be missed for anyone who loves musical theatre.

Tickets can be booked online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/pods