May in Swedish History: May 1986

The musical "Chess" opens in London’s West End with Swedish singers Tommy Korberg, Bjorn Skifs in the leading roles. 

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  “Chess” with music by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus (from ABBA), and lyrics by Tim Rice, premiered at London’s West End on May 14, 1986.

• May 14, 1986: The musical “Chess” with music by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus (from ABBA), and with lyrics by Tim Rice, premieres at London’s West End with Swedish singer Tommy Körberg as “The Russian,” Murray Head as “The American,” Elaine Paige as “Florence” and Björn Skifs (another Swedish singer) as “The Arbiter.” The musical plays for three years. A much-altered U.S. version premiered on Broadway in 1988, but survived for only two months. “Chess” is frequently revised for new productions, many of which try to merge elements from both the London and Broadway versions; however, no major revival production of the musical has yet been attempted either on the West End or Broadway. Hits from the musical include “One Night in Bangkok” and “I Know Him So Well."