Dun Laoghaire Musical & Dramatic Society (DMDS) staged Chess the Musical at the Pavilion Theatre in Dun Laoghaire from April 16–20, 2024. Under the guidance of musical director Barry Power and director Stephen Fagan, the production featured a dynamic cast including leads like Florence Vassy, Freddie Trumper, and Anatoly Sergievsky. Choreographer Lauren Dooley brought high-energy routines and polished movement to the cast and ensemble—a cohesion noted for bringing fresh vitality to this Cold War-era love triangle set to the iconic score by Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus, and Tim Rice.

This staging combined narrative and spectacle: DMDS set up auditions in October 2023, introduced a “Master Raffle” fundraiser for community support, and skillfully assembled technical, orchestral, and front-of-house teams to support the show’s realisation. Local sponsors—including Core Credit Union, LS Solutions, PT Aqua, DGTek, and Sooner Than Later—contributed vital financial backing. 

With its compelling dramatic arc, acclaimed musical numbers like “One Night in Bangkok” and “I Know Him So Well,” and strong community involvement, Chess 2024 represented a standout entry in DMDS’s growing portfolio and Dun Laoghaire’s vibrant theatrical landscape. 

At the annual Association of Irish Musical Society (AIMS) Awards 2024, our magnificent Gavin Molony who played Freddie Trumper was nominated as Best Male Vocal for his performance, and took home the trophy on the night!