Cover The musical ’The Phantom of the Opera’ will come to Shanghai this year (Photo: Instagram/@matildathemusical_sz)
The musical ’The Phantom of the Opera’ will come to Shanghai this year (Photo: Instagram/@matildathemusical_sz)
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Several Broadway productions, including ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ and ‘The Phantom of the Opera’, will be returning to Hong Kong and mainland China
Die-hard musical fans will be delighted to know that a number of Broadway and West End productions are making their triumphant return to Hong Kong and mainland China this year. From legendary Andrew Lloyd Webber masterpieces to whimsical family favourites, the regional cultural calendar is packed with must-see performances that promise to captivate seasoned theatregoers and culture enthusiasts alike.
Whether you are looking to revisit soul-stirring musical scores from The Phantom of the Opera, experience boundary-pushing contemporary revivals such as Jesus Christ Superstar, or introduce the younger generation to the magic of live storytelling in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, these premier stagings offer an unmissable escape into spectacular stagecraft. Discover the ultimate curation of the finest international musical productions gracing regional spotlights over the coming months.
Don’t miss: A world of pure imagination: Why ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ is Hong Kong’s Golden Ticket
Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Above ‘Hedwig and the Angry Inch’ is now showing in Hong Kong. There will be more musical coming to the region, including ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ (Photo: Instagram/@matildathemusical_sz)
‘Hedwig and the Angry Inch’ is now showing in Hong Kong. There will be more musical coming to the region, including ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ (Photo: Instagram/@matildathemusical_sz)
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When: Until May 31, 2026
Where: Freespace, West Kowloon, Hong Kong
What: First staged off-Broadway in 1998, John Cameron Mitchell and Stephen Trask’s trailblazing, gender-bending punk-rock sensation Hedwig and the Angry Inch had a Cantonese remake last year by Hong Kong singer Jordan Cheng. Co-presented by WestK Performing Arts, the adaptation is helmed by creative director Ivanhoe Lam, hot off his wins for The Impossible Trial – a musical, another popular West Kowloon production. Cheng plays the titular role as Hedwig, a wry, gender-queer East Berlin rock singer tracking down a former lover who stole her songs. Complete with live music led by Veronica Lee, pre-show DJ warm-ups and an immersive after-show party, it is a glorious, high-energy celebration of raw emotion, glamour and rock fury.
Don’t miss: Hong Kong musical ‘Hedwig and the Angry Inch’ brings music festival vibes to West Kowloon
Into the Woods
When: May 29 to 31, 2026
Where: Sai Wan Ho Civic Centre, Hong Kong
What: Masterfully crafted by James Lapine and the legendary Stephen Sondheim, the Tony Award-winning Into the Woods is being staged in Hong Kong by local theatre company Hong Kong Singers, which recently celebrated its 95th anniversary. The enchanting narrative, whose 2014 big-screen adaptation starred Meryl Streep and Emily Blunt, weaves everyone’s favourite storybook characters into a brilliant, modern classic.
It follows a childless baker and his wife on a quest to break a vengeful witch’s curse, crossing paths with Cinderella, Jack and his cow, and Little Red Riding Hood along the way. Seamlessly blending a touching, sophisticated score with witty storytelling, this rare musical gem explores what happens after “happily ever after”, offering a beautifully layered experience for seasoned theatregoers.
Matilda
Above ‘Matilda the Musical’ will be coming to the region, along with musicals such as ‘The Phantom of the Opera’. (Photo: Instagram/@matildathemusical_sz)
‘Matilda the Musical’ will be coming to the region, along with musicals such as ‘The Phantom of the Opera’. (Photo: Instagram/@matildathemusical_sz)
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When: Until June 21, 2026
Where: Opera Hall, Bay Opera of Shenzhen
What: Based on British writer Roald Dahl’s celebrated book of the same name, Matilda the Musical tells the enchanting tale of a book-loving young girl with telekinetic powers. She uses her extraordinary gifts to pull off clever pranks against her cruel parents and orchestrate a ghostly revolt against a tyrannous headmistress. This Tony and Olivier award-winning musical is packed with high-energy dance numbers and wonderfully catchy songs composed by Tim Minchin.
Jesus Christ Superstar
Above Andrew Lloyd Webber’s hit show ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ will be coming to the region, as well as his ‘The Phantom of the Opera’. (Photo: Instagram/@jesuschristsuperstar)
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s hit show ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ will be coming to the region, as well as his ‘The Phantom of the Opera’. (Photo: Instagram/@jesuschristsuperstar)
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When: July 8 to August 1, 2026
Where: Hong Kong Cultural Centre
What: Featuring the iconic music and lyrics of Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony winners Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, The Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production of Jesus Christ Superstar reimagines the Broadway classic. Through a striking fusion of rock, opera and soul, this explosive rock opera brings its electrifying staging and bold performances to Hong Kong after highly successful, celebrated runs in London, North America and Australia.
Cats
Above ‘Cats’ the musical will be coming to the region, along with musicals such as ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ (Photo: Instagram/@catsmusical)
‘Cats’ the musical will be coming to the region, along with musicals such as ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ (Photo: Instagram/@catsmusical)
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When: August 6 to September 6, 2026
Where: Grand Theatre, Xiqu Centre, West Kowloon Cultural District
What: Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary musical Cats makes a triumphant return to Hong Kong this summer, transforming the stage into a fantastical, oversized junkyard. Based on TS Eliot’s poetry collection Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, the global phenomenon follows the gathering of the Jellicle cats for their annual Jellicle Ball, where their wise leader chooses one feline to be reborn into a new life. Boasting a stellar creative pedigree with original direction by Trevor Nunn and breathtaking choreography by Gillian Lynne, this spectacular technical showcase features vibrant costuming and the iconic, show-stopping anthem Memory. Having captivated over 77 million people across 54 countries, the production promises an unforgettable evening of pure theatrical royalty.
Don’t miss: ‘Cats’ the musical will return to Hong Kong this August
Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out!
Above ‘Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out!’ will be coming to the region, along with musicals such as ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ (Photo: Instagram/@peppapigliveaunz)
‘Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out!’ will be coming to the region, along with musicals such as ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ (Photo: Instagram/@peppapigliveaunz)
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When: August 22 and 23, 2026
Where: East Kowloon Cultural Centre
What: A delightful treat for younger audiences, this vibrant production features engaging songs and colourful visuals as it follows Peppa, her family and her closest friends embarking on exciting trips to the zoo and the beach. Written and directed by Richard Lewis, the live stage production beautifully brings the world of the original animated television series to life. Previously staged in New Zealand and Australia, this Hong Kong run marks the production’s debut in the city.
The Phantom of the Opera
Above ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ will come to Shanghai this year (Photo: Instagram/@matildathemusical_sz)
‘The Phantom of the Opera’ will come to Shanghai this year (Photo: Instagram/@matildathemusical_sz)
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When: September 29 to December 6, 2026
When: Shanghai Grand Theatre
What: This year marks the milestone 40th anniversary of the global debut of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s masterpiece, The Phantom of the Opera. Renowned for its sumptuous music, lavish set design and a timeless tale of passionate love between a beautiful soprano and a deformed musical genius, the production continues to enchant audiences worldwide. Theatregoers can revisit the soul-stirring magic of iconic songs such as All I Ask of You, The Phantom of the Opera, Masquerade, Point of No Return and Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again. This highly anticipated Shanghai stop serves as the grand finale of Phantom’s extensive China tour. This version features Canadian singer Ramin Karimloo as Phantom.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Above ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ will be coming to the region, along with musicals such as ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ (Photo: courtesy of Broadway Asia)
‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ will be coming to the region, along with musicals such as ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ (Photo: courtesy of Broadway Asia)
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When: From November 4, 2026
Where: Hong Kong Cultural Centre
What: Another spectacular production adapted from the magical world of Roald Dahl, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory follows young Charlie Bucket as he wins a coveted Golden Ticket and ventures inside the eccentric Willy Wonka’s extraordinary chocolate factory. Brought to Hong Kong by Broadway Asia, this heartwarming production features vivid stage designs and lively music, bringing beloved literary elements like the chocolate rivers, nut-sorting squirrels and mischievous Oompa-Loompas to life.
Zabrina is the Senior Editor, Arts and Culture of Tatler Hong Kong. She specialises in performing arts, visual art and film. Her wanderlust was first fuelled by the Mighty Rovers Antarctica Expedition 2010. Over the years, she has interviewed A-list artists and filmmakers, including Oscar winners Chlóe Zhao and Tim Yip, Golden Horse winner Sylvia Chang, In the Mood for Love cinematographer Christopher Doyle, Pachinko author Min Jin Lee, and Coachella’s first Chinese solo singer Jackson Wang. She won gold at the WAN-IFRA Asian Media Awards for her 2021 feature on the waves of hate crimes targeting Asian Americans.
