Xiqu Centre, West Kowloon Cultural District | West Kowloon presents a brand new cabaret series 'West Kowloon Cabaret Nights' at the Xiqu Centre Tea House Theatre in May

Description

The West Kowloon Cultural District (West Kowloon) introduces a brand new cabaret series, 'West Kowloon Cabaret Nights', presenting cross-genre performances that blend music and theatre every month, showcasing the unique charm of Hong Kong's cabaret scene, which embraces a diversity of cultures. Curated by the Performing Arts Department of West Kowloon, 'West Kowloon Cabaret Nights' will be held from May to July 2025, with carefully selected performances on two to three weekday evenings each month at the Xiqu Centre Tea House Theatre. The programme features a range of original performances, spanning various music styles, music theatre, and musical comedy, with both emerging and veteran artists taking the stage. Tickets are now available for purchase via Cityline.

Within the distinctive space of the Tea House Theatre, boundaries between different art forms are seamlessly blended, crafting a unique viewing experience for each show. 'West Kowloon Cabaret Nights' will guide audiences into the performers' most authentic inner worlds, where they can clink glasses with dear friends, immersed in the wondrous interplay of music and storytelling, for an unforgettable evening filled with warmth and resonance. The inaugural season, from May to July, will feature 12 remarkable performers with shows centred on three main themes:

May: A Collision of Passion and Diversity

The first month kicks off with performances showcasing the multicultural allure of Hong Kong's cabaret scene, including:

• Renowned multi-instrumentalist Chris Polanco, a long-time Hong Kong resident of over 20 years, collaborates with a band to present two passionate performances, incorporating Latin (Spanish), English, and Cantonese songs, along with theatrical elements, to share life stories through vibrant music.
• South African singer Talie Monin carefully selects contemporary songs paired with works exuding African flair.
• Up-and-coming musical theatre actor Pugh Yan Wong uses scent as a guide, healing audiences' souls with musical theatre songs.

June: Resonance of Stories and Emotions

The June programme delves into captivating stories of personal growth, touching on emotions and the human experience:

• Theatre creator and actor Nga Lai Cheung presents a new concert version of her one-woman show, 'Barefoot', with music director Siu Tsou Chau rearranging 13 original songs for a cabaret-style performance that 'sings' about marriage, work, emotional ups and downs, and life experiences.
• Four budding musical theatre actors, born and raised in Hong Kong or returned from overseas, offer a Z generation perspective on the struggles and perseverance of the youth. Jun Ho Yin, who relocated from Australia to Hong Kong, shares his 14-year-long dream-chasing journey. King Yiu Leung, along with three charming boys, showcases deep brotherly bonds through barbershop music. Kit Yi Wong explores society, family, and life through well-known musical theatre songs. Lok In Sha shares her bumpy road to love and the lessons learned along the way.

July: A Symphony of Dreams and Courage

The season finale pays tribute to dreamers in the city, featuring talented artists such as:

• Yel Wong, winner of the 'Best Original Film Song' at the 2024 Hong Kong Film Awards, returns from Taipei to reminisce about her experiences as a street performer with her delicate voice, singing a symphony woven from dreams and courage.
• Three gifted young musical theatre actors take the stage with highly individual short creations: Chun To Yeung shares his journey as an 'I Person' singer-songwriter and performer in Hong Kong's theatre industry; Kei Lei Lau incorporates interactive elements, inviting the audience to co-create a unique poem for the night; and Laan Chun Tam expresses the highs and lows of life through song.

Leo Lo, Executive Director, Performing Arts, West Kowloon Cultural District Authority, says, 'My first 'experience' of cabaret was not from watching a live performance but from the movie of the same name starring Liza Minnelli years ago. Cabaret, as an art form, sits between a concert and a musical, telling touching stories of life, big and small, through singing, acting, and dancing. The intimate atmosphere of a small venue brings the performers and audience emotionally and physically closer together. 'West Kowloon Cabaret Nights', presented by the Performing Arts Department of West Kowloon, further expands our music theatre landscape, paving the way for the soon-to-be-opened West Kowloon Performing Arts Centre, which will focus on the development of music theatre. Welcome to the world of cabaret!'

The 2025/26 season of 'West Kowloon Cabaret Nights', from August to October, will feature a more diverse array of artists and forward-thinking creative concepts, further breaking the mould of cabaret in Hong Kong. More programme details will be announced in early July.

Ticketing Information

'West Kowloon Cabaret Nights' offers three types of tickets: VIP tables, stalls, and balconies. Each ticket includes a drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) and snacks, with additional options available for purchase on-site. Group bookings enjoy discounts of up to 20%.

For the latest programme details and ticketing information, please visit the West Kowloon Cultural District website: https://www.westk.hk/tc/events/cabaret-nights/

Programme and Details

12 & 13 May 2025 (Monday & Tuesday) – Chris Polanco
$480 (Stalls), $420 (Balconies)

14 May 2025 (Wednesday) – Talie Monin and Pugh Yan Wong
$380 (VIP Tables), $360 (Stalls), $300 (Balconies)

2 June 2025 (Monday) – Jun Ho Yin, King Yiu Leung, Kit Yi Wong, and Lok In Sha
$380 (VIP Tables), $360 (Stalls), $300 (Balconies)

3 June 2025 (Tuesday) – Nga Lai Cheung x Siu Tsou Chau x Live Band
$420 (VIP Tables), $400 (Stalls), $340 (Balconies)

14 July 2025 (Monday) – Yel Wong x Sai Chai Tang
$420 (VIP Tables), $400 (Stalls), $340 (Balconies)

15 July 2025 (Tuesday) – Laan Chun Tam, Chun To Yeung, and Kei Lei Lau
$380 (VIP Tables), $360 (Stalls), $300 (Balconies)

Each ticket includes a drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) and a pack of mixed nuts, with additional options available for purchase on-site.

Concessions

Full-time students, seniors aged 60 or above, people with disabilities and their accompanying persons, CSSA recipients, wheelchair users and their accompanying persons are eligible for 50% off. Concession ticket holders must present valid identification or age proof upon admission. Concession tickets are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.