The Chessboard Killer: A Gripping Original Play by Pinelands Players
The Chessboard Killer: Posted on September 17, 2016 | By Melissa Sanderson
A Chilling Thriller Comes to Life at the Clubhouse Theatre
Pinelands Players is proud to present The Chessboard Killer, an original and suspenseful play written and directed by Graham Leverton. This gripping production will take the stage at the intimate Clubhouse Theatre, The Crossing, in Pinelands, delivering a dark and thrilling experience for audiences.
The Plot: A Serial Killer’s Deadly Game
The story follows Ron Bingham (played by Thomas Bowman), a failed screenwriter and film school lecturer in New York. After years of rejection, Ron snaps and begins executing a twisted screenplay in real life—by becoming a serial killer. But he’s no ordinary murderer.
Each of Ron’s victims represents a chess piece, and his goal is to complete the entire set—32 kills, from pawns to kings and queens. If he succeeds, he’ll become the most prolific serial killer in New York history.
The Detectives Racing Against Time
Leading the investigation are Detectives Joel Stringer (played by Graham Leverton) and Vicky Conway (Kerryn Lloyd). Stringer, a seasoned homicide detective, and his sharp-witted partner Conway must decode the killer’s pattern before he reaches his horrifying goal.
The killer’s victims escalate from pawns (the marginalized) to rooks, knights, and bishops (the elite). But the biggest question remains: Who are the kings and queens?
A Student Caught in the Crossfire
At the center of the chaos is Richard Walker (Byron Hite), an aspiring screenwriter and Bingham’s student. Seeking mentorship, Walker unknowingly becomes a pawn in his professor’s deadly game.
Creative Staging in an Intimate Venue
Leverton crafted the script with the Clubhouse Theatre’s unique space in mind, ensuring an immersive experience despite its small size.
“We’ve used creative scene transitions, voiceovers, and an atmospheric soundtrack to enhance the tension and keep the story moving dynamically,” says Leverton. “It’s been exciting to bring this dark, original thriller to life.”
Don’t Miss This Unforgettable Production of The Chessboard Killer
Show Details:
📅 Dates: September 30 – October 2, 2016
📍 Venue: Clubhouse Theatre, The Crossing, Pinelands
🎟 Tickets: R40 (payable at the door)
📧 Bookings: Email pinelandsplayers@gmail.com
Why You Should See The Chessboard Killer:
✅ Original, edge-of-your-seat thriller
✅ Talented local cast & creative staging
✅ Perfect for fans of crime dramas and psychological suspense
Book your tickets now and witness this chilling game of cat and mouse!