Musicals from UK to feature in China!

Although the growing middle classes in China are sensitive to politically correct themes, they do enjoy theatre.  Musicals like Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables produced by Cameron Mackintosh Ltd. are to be presented there soon. In a visit to Beijing 18 months ago Nicholas Allott – Managing Director of Cameron Mackintosh Ltd. was pleased and surprised to see 20 theatres being built there. The National Theatres’ production of War Horse will be staged in Mandarin  in China soon.  Joey – the life size puppet horse from the production will be flown over there.

Leading figures from the arts in England will be visiting China to do presentations of some of the best of British culture and creativity, to encourage China to co-operate in a mutually exciting project with cultural issues. The delegation will be led by Sajid Javid – culture secretary and  will include presentations of theatre, design, dance, creative technology and film.

In addition, the Chinese drinks company, Wuliangye has agreed to sponsor the Philharmonia Orchestra for the next five years, which is based at the Southbank Centre in London.  The visiting team to China includes Kelly Hoppen, Thomas Heatherwick  and Alistair Spalding.