The Silly William Gambit

He’s not playing chess against Death. He’s playing against something far worse…

Eccentric chess prodigy Silly William finds himself on a train bound for hell (Or Philadelphia, as it is known in some circles,) when the train's mysterious owner, Bum Fiddler, challenges him to a game of chess. The entire show takes place over the course of seven chess matches, projected onto a backdrop in real time. And every line of dialogue corresponds to a chess move played on the board. Whether you are a grandmaster, or you've never played chess before, Star/playwright/chess theorist Matt Bader invites you to discover a fable based on real chess gambit he invented that will transport you directly into world of chess itself.
"[Bader] doesn't merely explain chess-- he inhabits it." -- Bob Kane
Queen's Gambit meets Lemony Snickett's: A Series of Unfortunate Events.

The Silly William Gambit had a successful run at The Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2025, and went on to have a sold-out limite run at The Producers Club Theatre directly following. The show has since been developed further and brought to 75 minutes, and you won't want to miss it.
The Wee Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐

"[A]n audience which appreciates both chess and wacky theatre may not be that easy to find. [But] if you’re in that segment of life’s Venn diagram, you absolutely shouldn’t miss this show.”

Fringe Review: “Recomended show”

“Bader makes the stage very much his own and is adept at leaping from one side to the other, giving the words physical force and focus. It thoroughly enhances the production.”
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WHAT AUDIENCES HAD TO SAY
"Matt Bader writes like Harlon Ellison and Michael Palin had a live child… Utterly bonkers, the true spirit of fringe" –Callum
Bader’s performance is skillful and fearless, he doesn’t merely explain chess, he inhabits it. – Bob
"I had no idea what to expect from this show, and found myself swept away by the capable and creative storytelling… I know nothing about Chess but found the use of chess terms and gameplay fascinating… Thoroughly Recommend." – Ellie
“As the play reached its emotive and poignant conclusion, the pieces of [the story] snapped together perfectly, and I was genuinely blown away… This is must-see theatre.” – Ron
“A thought-provoking, yet madcap story. A little confusing in places, but everything is woven together by the end so that all your questions will be answered. A wonderful performance" – Neil
“The Silly William Gambit was incredible! Funny, yet poignant. Acted and written brilliantly. An amazing concept, and something I’d recommend anybody to go see. If you have any interest in chess, doubly so. This gem was the highlight of the [Edinburgh Fringe] festival for me." - Nicholas