A giant chess board appeals in much the same way as a giant cake. Rationally, one realises that the size doesn’t affect the essence of the thing. But the inner child knows that the jumbo version is just more fun.
So I’m excited that a game of ‘human chess’, in which actors take the place of chess pieces, will be played on a giant board in London’s Trafalgar Square later this month. I’m expecting a strong showing from the Red Queen and the White Knight, as the costumes draw inspiration from Lewis Carroll’s ‘Alice Through the Looking Glass’ which celebrates its 150th anniversary this year. Their performance will pay tribute to the ‘Immortal game’, one of the most celebrated in history, which was played 170 years ago, just a couple of minutes down the road at Simpson’s in the Strand.
The human chess game will be the highlight of Chess Fest, a free chess festival which runs 16-18 July.
The charity which organises it, Chess in Schools and Communities, hopes that one legacy of the festival will be a greater number of chess sets available in public spaces.
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in