Chess player's musical role with Shrewsbury Amateur Operatic Society
A former junior chess player from Shropshire has taken on a fresh challenge – as a cast member in the musical Chess.
Nicky Lloyd, who plays a reporter in Shrewsbury Amateur Operatic Society's production of Chess, is a former county junior chess player who has retained an interest in the game ever since schooldays.
She first took up chess as a five-year-old at infant school and between the ages of nine and 11 played regularly for the county as a top 25 board player.
She recalls her enthusiasm was spurred by a teacher at Dothill Junior School, Wellington, who encouraged her and several pupils to compete at the highest level they could in their age group.
She was a member of the school chess club and played several times a week including representing the county.
Nicky, for whom the musical Chess is her first show with Shrewsbury Amateur Operatic Society, regularly took part in county chess contests and as a result has been able to pass on her vast knowledge of the game.
She has taught her two sons, Ryan, 13, and Adam, 9, and together with her husband Julian they enjoy playing chess regularly – and seriously – as a family.
Nicky, 42, said: "It would be fair to say my interest in chess persuaded me to join the society for the show which I am very enthusiastic about. We are rehearsing very hard.
Nicky is now looking forward to Chess which Shrewsbury Amateur Operatic Society will perform at Theatre Severn from March 13-16.
Tickets for the shows are currently on sale from the theatre's box office. Call (01743) 281281 or e-mail mail@theatre severn.co.uk
