Cold War, Love, and Loyalty: Leighton Garwin Brings Anatoli to Life

What do you get when a marine biology student accidentally walks into a musical theatre audition? In Leighton Garwin’s case, you get nearly fifty shows, a voice that can jump from pop to opera, and now a starring role in the powerhouse musical Chess.

On the latest episode of Showtime, Leighton reveals how a twist of fate turned into a lifelong passion for performing. He opens up about struggling to communicate as a kid and how music became his way of saying what words could not. From the dark intensity of Jacqueline Hyde to the golden glow of 42nd Street, every role has pushed him further, shaping the versatile performer he is today.

Now, as he takes on the complex character of Anatoli, Leighton faces one of his toughest challenges yet. Chess is not only a demanding score but also a story of Cold War politics, love, and loyalty that still feels razor-sharp in today’s world.

This is a conversation about chance, passion, and the power of theatre to hold up a mirror to our lives. If you think musicals are just about catchy tunes, Leighton Garwin is here to prove you wrong.

🎭 Chess 🗓️  12 September to 21 September 📍 The Round, Nunawadding 🎟️  theround.com.au 

Few musicals hit as hard as Chess. With a score that soars from rock anthems to heart-wrenching ballads, this Cold War drama throws love, politics, and ambition onto the same board and lets them collide.

Set during an international chess championship at the height of East–West tensions, the show follows the explosive rivalry between an American chess superstar and a Soviet grandmaster. What begins as a battle of intellect quickly spirals into a struggle for power, fame, and control, with governments pulling the strings behind the scenes. But amid the political manoeuvring lies a love triangle that raises the stakes even higher. When Florence, caught between loyalty and desire, is forced to choose sides, every move on the board comes loaded with personal and political consequence.

With music by ABBA legends Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, and lyrics by Tim Rice, Chess delivers some of musical theatre’s most iconic numbers, blending passion with razor-sharp storytelling. It is a tale of power plays and human vulnerability, of games that reach far beyond the chessboard.

Chess is not just a musical. It is a high-stakes thriller set to unforgettable music, daring audiences to question where loyalty ends and love begins.

 

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Leighton is no stranger to the stage, with close to 50 productions to his name. Favourite roles include Danny in Grease, Warner in Legally Blonde, Jesus in Godspell, and Roger in RENT.

Outside of performing, Leighton works in medical administration and as a freelance writer. He holds a degree in Contemporary Music from JMC Academy and a diploma in Professional Writing and Editing from NMIT, combining his love of music, theatre, and storytelling.