Our 2021 Shows

With the outbreak of Coronavirus in early 2020 and the subsequent period of lockdown and related restrictions, Encore Theatre Company made the decision in April, to postpone 'Chess the Musical' to July 2021.

At the time, we were hopeful of still being able to present our December 2020 pantomime, Cinderella, but with social distancing still being in place as well as various restrictions around indoor rehearsals and performances the decision was made in August to postpone this show to 2021 too.

Although this is very disappointing for all concerned, it goes without saying that the health and safety of our members and supporters is our main priority.

Details about both our 2021 productions can be found below. We'll update each as and when more information becomes available, so please check back again later, or follow us on social media.

Chess, The Musical

Written in 1984 by ABBA songwriters Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, and Tim Rice, Chess tells a story of love and political intrigue, set against the background of the Cold War in the late 1970s/early 1980s, in which superpowers attempt to manipulate an international chess championship for political ends.

Two of the world’s greatest chess masters, one American, one Russian, are in danger of becoming the pawns of their governments as their battle for the world title gets under way. Simultaneously their lives are thrown into further confusion by a Hungarian refugee, a remarkable woman who becomes the centre of their emotional triangle. This mirrors the heightened passions of the political struggles that threaten to destroy lives and loves. Includes the international hit singles ‘I Know Him So Well’ and ‘One Night In Bangkok’. Other well-known songs from the score include ‘Anthem’, ‘Heaven Help my Heart’ and ‘Pity The Child’.

More information about getting your tickets will be posted here soon.

Cinderella

Our pantomime for 2021, scheduled for the first week in December, will be the classic tale of Cinderella. Featuring a brand new script and all your favourite panto traditions, the production will once again take place at Castleford Phoenix Theatre.

We promise it will be worth waiting for!!