By Wang Zhiyong

The ancient martial art of kung fu gets a theatrical makeover in a show more similar to Cirque Du Soleil than the Shaolin Temple. The Legend of Kung Fu is now on stage in the U. K., and is being performed from July 29 until August 16 at the London Coliseum.

Members of the cast of Chun Yi: The Legend of Kung Fu, perform one of their routines in London's Piccadilly to promote their show which opens at the London Coliseum on July 29th. [CFP]

A dazzling spectacle, the show combines unbelievable feats of kung fu artistry with dance and acrobatics, showing a young man how to reach enlightenment by overcoming obstacles. The obstacles he encounters are from both the outside world and inside his own mind, but after rising above them, he is finally able to become a master of kung fu.

The Kung Fu Legend marks the first time that a Chinese show is able to enter London's high-end performing market, relying completely on commercial operations.

A Canadian company in charge of the show's promotions helped to bring a 90 percent occupancy rate on the opening night at the London Coliseum, which seats 2400 people.

The mature and critical London audience gave the show a 10 minute-long standing ovation. The Coliseum stage director Dewie Evans said the show was "extremely exciting" and "unbelievable!"

The Legend of Kung Fu is the touching story of a young boy on an epic journey to enlightenment. To earn the title of Chun Yi, "the Pure One" in Chinese, the boy must overcome a series of difficult obstacles. The audience follows the trials and tribulations the boy faces on his journey.

The Legend of Kung Fu made its debut in Beijing in 2004. It has been running for more than four years and has staged about 3000 performances for two million audience. A multi-award winning blockbuster, the show has daily performances at the Beijing Red Theatre, located at the east gate of the Temple of Heaven.

To buy London show tickets, call box office at 0871 911 0200 or visit this link:  

http://www.eno.org/whats-on/whats-on.php?id=1396&season=forthcoming

If you are in Beijing, buy the tickets here:

Venue: Red Theater 红剧场
Add: Workers' Cultural Palace, 44 Xingfu Dajie, Chongwen District
Booking: +86-10-67103671/72/73
Show time: 19:30-20:30 daily
Ticket price: RMB 180-680

(China.org.cn July 31, 2009)