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

In the latest episode of Showtime, Andrew G chats with Leighton Garwin, a performer who has already been part of nearly fifty productions and is now stepping into the world of Chess. Leighton’s story is the kind of journey that reminds us how unpredictable life can be. He never planned to be on stage. His first love was science and he was studying marine biology when an audition came along almost by accident. That unplanned moment sparked something that has carried him through years of musicals and plays. What started out as a chance event became a lifelong passion.

Leighton explained that music has always been his way of communicating when speaking felt difficult. Growing up, he often struggled to express emotions through words, but singing gave him an outlet that made sense. Through performance he could say what he needed to without worrying about the right phrasing. That connection between music and emotion has shaped how he approaches every role he takes on.

Looking back on his career, Leighton pointed out two productions that have had the most influence on him. Playing in Jacqueline Hyde pushed him into darker and more demanding territory, stretching his emotional range and teaching him how to lean into intensity. On the other hand, 42nd Street gave him the discipline and joy of traditional musical theatre, sharpening his technique and his confidence. The contrast between the two shows helped him discover how variety is essential for growth. Moving between such different roles meant he could avoid becoming comfortable or repetitive, and it opened up a greater sense of versatility.

When it comes to preparing for a new character, Leighton combines several different approaches. He researches, he watches or reads other versions of the story, and he pays close attention to the creative team’s vision. But he also makes sure to leave space for discovery in rehearsal. For him, the best performances come when an actor is open to others’ input, not locked into a single interpretation. Collaboration is as important as preparation.

That attitude has been essential for Chess. The show is famous for its difficult score, which moves between pop, rock, and operatic styles. It is vocally demanding, and Leighton admits that some passages are intimidating. Still, he focuses on the story rather than the technical challenge. If he approaches the songs only as a test of skill, they can feel overwhelming. But if he thinks about what the character is going through, the music becomes part of the storytelling. That balance between technique and emotion is something he believes is at the heart of musical theatre.

Chess also presents a rich thematic world. Set during the Cold War, it tells the story of an international chess championship while exploring questions of loyalty, love, ambition, and political manipulation. Leighton feels a strong connection to Anatoli, a man caught between his personal desires and the expectations placed on him by political powers. The conflict between duty and love makes Anatoli a complex figure, and Leighton says that playing him has made him think differently about the ways people balance ambition and personal integrity.

What makes Chess resonate even more is its relevance today. The backdrop may be the Cold War, but the themes of polarisation, power, and politics are still alive in the modern world. Leighton hopes audiences who come to see the show will not only enjoy the music and drama but also reflect on what these themes mean in the present. For him, the production has highlighted how history often moves in cycles. The struggles of one generation can easily reappear in another, and theatre has a unique way of making those patterns clear.

Despite his experience, Leighton admitted that he has not always been confident in his abilities. Lacking formal training sometimes made him question whether he belonged in the industry. Over time, though, he has recognised that casting directors see qualities in him that cannot be taught in a classroom. He values the individuality he brings to roles and the way collaboration helps him find his footing. For Leighton, the most memorable performances are never built alone. They are created in rehearsal rooms where actors, directors, and creatives come together. That openness has become one of his greatest strengths.

At its core, Leighton sees performing as something deeply personal. He often describes it as a kind of therapy, a way of turning insecurities into creative energy. Being on stage lets him connect with people in ways that feel honest and freeing. Every show is another chance to explore a new perspective, and every role becomes part of an ongoing journey of self-discovery.

This episode of Showtime highlights not only Leighton Garwin’s career but also the wider power of theatre. His unexpected shift from science student to leading performer shows how chance encounters can change the course of a life. His reflections on Chess reveal the effort and commitment behind bringing a role to life, and his honesty about confidence and vulnerability offers a refreshing look at the realities of performing.

For audiences, Chess promises to be more than just a night of music and drama. With its sweeping score, complex characters, and Cold War backdrop, it challenges us to reflect on the world we live in now. Leighton hopes it will encourage people to see the connections between past and present, and to think more deeply about love, loyalty, and ambition. As it opens this September at The Round in Nana, the production offers both the thrill of live theatre and the kind of reflection that stays with you long after the curtain falls.