TIM Rice and half of Abba have made sure that Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Society has its work cut out.

The society is taking on Chess, written by Sir Tim, Benny Andersson and Bjrn Ulvaeus, considered to be one of the most challenging of all musicals with its eclectic mix of musical styles.

"There are so many different musical themes from Merano, which is operatic, to the Hymn, to Chess - which is quite Cathedral- like - to the rock songs," said Mrs Brownridge.

"Basically all of the show is sung and there is very little dialogue.

"It requires 100 per cent concentration.

"The staging off Chess is also difficult technically with 105 slides to be projected to show where the action is happening."

The show jets from Merano in Italy to Bangkok and takes place over a year.

Set in 1983 against a Cold War backdrop, American chess champion Frederick Trumper (Ben Leeke) takes on Russian challenger Anatoly Sergievsky (Richard Hulbert).

But in the middle of the championship Frederick's lover Florence (Jacque Cook) finds she is attracted to Anatoly, who is planning to defect to the West.

Act two takes place in Bangkok one year later where Anatoly, who has defected and is defending his title with Florence, now his lover, in tow.

Fredrick arrives in the Oriental city, as does Anatoly's wife Svetlana (Wendy Holloway).

The show features hits like Heaven Help My Heart, The Arbiter and I Know Him So Well made famous by Elaine Paige and Barbara Dickson.

WODS' production features a principal cast of seven, with a 24 strong chorus and a semi-professional orchestra.

"People can find productions of Chess a bit dull to look at, so I've tried to bring some dancing and vitality into the show," said Mrs Brownridge.

"It's possible the Cold War references will be lost on some members of the audience but there's not a lot you can about that because it's an integral part of the show. But it is also a love story."

And as for the music, WODS have wheeled in a pro to be musical direction.

Robert Willis has worked with celebrities from Bob Monkhouse, Brian Conley, Bobby Davro and Joe Pasquale to the Moscow State Circus.

Willis studied composition, oboe and piano at the Birmingham Conservatoire, where he arranged for the like of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and produced radio jingles.

Since 1998 he has been musical director for West End star Shona Lindsay and produced her debut album Control Yourself.

His theatre work includes the tour of Calamity Jane, Oh What a Night in Blackpool, Manchester and the Hammersmith Apollo, and La Cage aux Folles in Wolverhampton, Birmingham and Brighton.

As for Mrs Brownridge's own backstory, she joined WODS in 1972, moving up from dancer to chorus to principal to directing.

Her other directorial outings include Brigadoon, Little Shop of Horrors, My Fair Lady and South Pacific.

"Chess is totally different," she said.

"I don't think I've ever known a show like it."

Chess runs at the Swan Theatre from Thursday, May 15 to Saturday May 24 at 7.30pm with a 2.30pm matinee on Saturday, May 17.

Tickets from the Huntingdon Arts box office on 01905 611427