‘The Eight Immortals crossing the sea’ is a folklore that has fascinated the Chinese for hundreds of years. What kind of challenge to one’s imagination would it be to create a ‘prequel’ for it, then? In the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra’s new production, The Eight Immortals’ Adventures Prequel, young casts have been recruited through audition to play the famous eight. Would the life of celestials be as happy and carefree as the youngsters think? And how many trials do they need to undergo, in terms of money, family, moral conscience etc., before they achieve eternal life and supernatural powers? Embedded in this contemporary interpretation of an age-old tale is the message to love the earth so that humankind can live in harmony with Nature.

The premiere of The Eight Immortals’ Adventure musical last year has bowled the audience over with its eye-opening stage design and riveting puppetry. This year, the Eight return by popular demand at the International Arts Carnival, but as young, mortal beings. Each would tell what they go through before becoming celestials with magical powers. The musical theatre features music written by the local young composer, Alfred Wong and played by the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra with Chew Hee-chiat conducting, and staging by Chow Chiu-lun, Outreach and Education Co-ordinator of the Hong Kong Repertory Theatre. This is a production that offers a new and fantastic angle on Chinese traditional culture – definitely not to be missed!

With his funny appearance, Cohen conjures up a “ClownZen” world that blends slapstick, whimsy, and physical his artistic versatility, Cohen employs rubber pipes to create music and dances with plastic bags. And in his suitcase of odds and ends lies an endless series of surprises – including a baby penguin – providing offbeat absurdity to warm all hearts.

The widely travelled humorist from the USA has over the past three decades delivered his individual brand of clowning to more than 40 countries, often in the persona of Mr. YooWho. As the founder of Clowns Without Borders in the USA, he has also performed in refugee camps and conflict zones around the world.

Don’t miss the opportunity to meet Mr. YooWho in Hong Kong this summer and enjoy his brilliantly funny show!

Cotton and Wrinkle start their work in the beautifully strange world of White, full of birdsong and birdhouses. Their job is to keep the bright and ordered world clean and tidy while they wait for white eggs to appear. Suddenly one day colours magically emerge and start to change the world in a pleasantly surprising way. The production offers a perfect first-time theatre experience for toddlers.

Get ready for a trip to the hairdressers as you have never experienced before. Three Italian barbers are launching a salon and throwing a big opening party. In this entertaining, modern-day take on barbershops of yesteryear, the wicked barbers not only cut hair and shave beards but also play amazing music with various instruments while performing zany stunts. Here, dance routines, juggling, and even dentistry are just part of the diverting service.

For daring customers, there are free, off-the-wall hairstyles, or the salon’s very own hair restorative! But don’t get too comfortable in that barber’s chair, as you might find it taking to the air!

The crazily talented trio from Teatro Necessario have been busy establishing branches in Europe and the USA over the past years. Now Nuova Barberia Carloni opens in Hong Kong, welcoming customers of all ages – and hairstyles – into their fun-filled world!

The Tortoise and the Hare

Ridiculed by the Hare, the Tortoise challenges him to a race. They set off and the Hare takes a commanding lead right away. Thinking he will win easily, the Hare allows himself to be distracted with many modern day activities: texting, video games and the paparazzi, of course. The Tortoise continues to trudge along at his methodical pace and, despite the fact that the Hare is a swifter creature, wins the race due to his discipline and fortitude

The Ugly Duckling
Of the five eggs in Mother Duck’s nest, one is the largest and last to hatch. Bigger and paler than the others, this last hatchling is treated as an outsider by Mother Duck and her ducklings. He may be the best swimmer of the brood, but this alone is not enough to ensure his acceptance. Knowing only rejection, this Ugly Duckling goes out into the wild alone. Reflecting upon his plight under the glow of a remote willow tree, he sees a wily cat creeping in the direction of Mother Duck’s nest. The Ugly Duckling follows and watches as one lagging duckling is captured and taken back to the cat’s lair. In true heroic fashion, this Ugly Duckling succeeds in vanquishing the cat and rescuing the captured duckling. Celebrated by Mother Duck and her ducklings for his uniqueness, all realise that he may have been an ugly duckling, but he has grown into a beautiful and powerful swan.

A hilarious journey to the land of happiness!

Once upon a time in a land far, far away…

Little Frog turns into a handsome man after being kissed. Yet he still can’t stop croaking and chasing insects, and is very unhappy with himself.

One day he runs into the Prince of Miracle, who tells him to head east for the Miracle Kingdom. There, he can live a happy life, just like the Prince. On his journey, Little Frog encounters a group of peculiar characters: pessimistic Cinderellay, grumpy Tiny Little Prince, Wolfy Wolf who likes to eat little girls, and Evil Queen who sells apples. After a series of uproarious incidents, can he find the Miracle Kingdom and live happily ever after?

Children’s Adventure Theatre, to be held at Sha Tin Town Hall Auditorium, will take audiences on an adventure all over the world, with sights including the Great Wall, the Eiffel Tower, the pyramids, the Statue of Liberty and the Sydney Opera House. During the show, audiences will also be invited to join the fun in creating amazing stage effects.

This multimedia puppetry show follows the amazing adventures of a boy doctor called Shin, who flies on the back of Ko the pelican to every corner of the world in a bid to save thousands of Planet Earth’s inhabitants. Many creatures, including fireflies, belugas, and an old owl, are threatened by man’s devastating impact on the environment and lose their homes.

All kinds of animals live happily in a forest, except for Xiao Xiao, whose short nose makes him unable to be the same as other elephants. No matter how hard his fellow forest-dwellers try to console him, Xiao Xiao remains unhappy. One day, his good friend Di the Skunk tells him that, living deep in the woods, there is a forest god who grants all wishes. Hoping to be given a beautiful long nose, Xiao Xiao sets out to find the god, a journey that leads to a series of life-changing encounters. Will his dream come true? Based on a story by acclaimed Taiwanese writer Giddens, this theatrical adaptation features a colourful cast of muppets, rod and shadow puppets, live original music and children’s songs. A show that will touch the hearts of all youngsters.