Choreographer Craig Revel Horwood – known to millions as the Mr Nasty of TV’s Strictly Come Dancing – is bringing his most ambitious project to Bradford this autumn.

The acid-tongued judge is choreographing and directing a production of Chess, the smash West End and Broadway musical.

Mr Revel Horwood said the challenge was creating a big show with a full orchestra on stage.

“What we’re working on is to do it big – but still make it feel intimate, telling the story through the instruments and music,” he said.

“People rarely see musicians in the orchestra pit and don’t see which instruments play which line. Here they will see it.

“The principals play minor roles as well, and play the cymbals, triangles, or drums when needed. Most of the cast play at least three instruments each.”

The show is about two chess masters, an American and a Russian, battling it out at world championships. Against a backdrop of the Cold War, they fight to win a woman’s heart.

Mr Revel Horwood said: “You wouldn’t think of putting a game of Chess onto the stage – it’s a board game that’s still and intellectual.

“I’m bringing out the love triangle and emotion. I’ve got the orchestra as chess pieces reacting to the story.”

In 2006 Mr Revel Horwood choreographed an Opera North production at the Alhambra, and last year he treated pupils at Eastburn Junior and Infant School to a dance lesson. The school, near Keighley was among six nationwide to win a place in the National Osteoporosis Society’s UK Bone Factor Tour.