Check out what’s going on this month
With Christmas now a distant memory – and the next public holiday more than a month away – we all need something to look forward to. Thankfully, we’ve found plenty of great performances this month to entertain you. So go ahead, ditch the booze (it’s #dryjanuary, after all!) and try something new for 2018. With everything from musical theatre to concerts and more, there is something out there for everyone to see.
Musical Theatre, Dance and Other Performances:
Cats
A West End and Broadway favourite, this record-breaking musical has made its way to HK. With well-known tunes by the extremely talented composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, the show is based on T. S. Eliot‘s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats. The story follows a tribe of mischievous cats known as the ‘Jellicles,’ and we are soon introduced to their night-time adventures through songs and dances that will have you singing long after the final curtain.
When: From now until Sunday, 11 February
Where: The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Lyric Theatre, 1 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
How much: Adult tickets start from $445. Get yours here!
The Great Circus of Europe
Don’t let the name fool you – this ‘circus’ is all about the more than 25 experienced performers from all around the world. With wondrous tricks and death defying feats, watch as the impossible becomes possible. And best of all, there are no animals, so it’s cruelty-free!
When: From now until Sunday, 25 February (check the schedule for no-show dates)
Where: Central Harbourfront Event Space, 9 Lung Wo Road, Central, Hong Kong
How much: Adult tickets start from $150. Get yours here!
Concerts:
Imagine Dragons Evolve World Tour
If you like alterative, moody rock, you’ll love Imagine Dragons. Its debut, multi-platinum album, Night Visions, was a worldwide success (its hit, Radioactive, won a Grammy award for Best Rock Performance), and, for the first time, it will be performing in Hong Kong to mark its third album, Evolve. Grab your friends and rock out to what is sure to be a great show.
When: Saturday, 13 January
Where: Asia world Expo, Cheong Wing Rd, Chek Lap Kok, Hong Kong
How much: Adult tickets start from $480. Get yours here!
Billboard Radio LIVE
Featuring more than 10 international, regional, and local pop superstars, including Rita Ora and Far East Movement, this concert series takes place in the ever popular event space at the Harbourfront. Set to the backdrop of Hong Kong’s iconic skyline, the atmosphere is sure to be buzzing as the artists take to the stage. Be Sure to check out Rita Ora on Thursday, 18 January. It will be her first performance in Hong Kong, and with popular hits such as Your Song, she’s sure to deliver a fantastic show.
When: Sunday, 14 January, and then everyday from Tuesday, 16 through Saturday, 20 January
Where: Central Harbourfront Event Space, 9 Lung Wo Road, Central, Hong Kong
How much: Adult tickets start from $550. Get yours here!
HK International Chamber Music Festival 2018 – A Lifetime of Beethoven
Classical music fans get ready because Beethoven’s music will be brought to life at The Hong Kong International Chamber Music Festival. Featuring the German composer’s lifetime compositions, fans will be treated to his well-known symphonies and concertos.
When: Friday, 19 January
Where: The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Lyric Theatre, 1 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
How much: Adult tickets start from $100. Get yours here!
CNBlue’s Jung Yong Hwa
Calling all K-Pop fans! This South Korean star will debut his new solo material, having released his latest album in July 2017. Hwa gained fans as the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist of the rock band CNBlue, but his solo work has made him an even bigger hit.
When: Saturday, 27 January
Where: Asia world Expo, Cheong Wing Road, Chek Lap Kok, Hong Kong
How much: Adult tickets start from $680. Get yours here!
Somewhere I Belong
A group of four bands have decided to raise awareness by holding a charity concert in support of suicide prevention called Somewhere I Belong. Featuring performances by The Raptors, The Privateers, Jimmy2Times and The David Bowie Knives, all proceeds will be donated to the Samaritan Befrienders Hong Kong. Organiser Greg Sutcliffe hopes to start a conversation about mental health issues and suicide through music. “It’s a cause that’s close to my heart having lost my wonderful little brother Adrian to suicide,” said Sutcliffe. “With the help of the wider community, we plan to make this an annual event that raises much needed funds for Hong Kong’s suicide charities and the important work they do.”
When: Saturday, 20 January
Where: MusicZone KITEC, 1 Trademart Drive, Kowloon Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong
How Much: $250 through Cityline
Stand Up Comedy:
Tom Cotter
America’s Got Talent finalist Tom Cotter will be headlining at Take Out Comedy this month. Winner of the Seattle International Comedy Competition, he also earned grand prize at The Boston Comedy Festival, and was voted “Best Stand-Up” at The Las Vegas Comedy Festival. He’s sure to bring down the house with laughs.
When: Thursday, 11*, Friday, 12 and Saturday, 13 January (*show on 11 January in Wan Chai)
Where: Take Out Comedy, Basement, 34 Elgin Street, Soho, Hong Kong
How much: $350 per person – email [email protected] or call 6220 4436 for reservations!
Amit Tandon
Have a laugh while doing some good this month. One of India’s famous stand-up comedians brings his fundraising show to Hong Kong, and proceeds will go towards the education of under privileged children. After seven years in comedy, this performance highlights his best, featuring new material not yet released on social media.
When: Friday, 19 January
Where: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre – Theatre 1 (Harbour Road Entrance)
How much: Adult tickets start from $300. Get yours here!
LA Comedy Live: Kanan Gill
Another Indian stand-up comedian (and YouTuber) Kanan Gill, who rose to fame with the YouTube series, ‘Pretentious Movie Reviews,’ is headed to the 852 this month. His rising fame in India has now gained him international recognition. Find out what makes him so popular and check out the show!
When: Sunday, 21 January
Where: The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Hong Kong Jockey Club Ampitheatre, 1 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
How much: Adult tickets start from $288. Get yours here!
Punchline Comedy Club
Work out those abs with a good laugh at Punchline Comedy Club. Featuring American headliner Arj Barker, who has appeared on Comedy Central, Conan O’Brien and the HBO Series Flight Of The Conchords, the show will also have warm-up comics Gordon Southern and Ellen Briggs.
When: Friday, 26 January and Saturday, 27 January
Where: Tamarind, 2/F, Sun Hung Kai Centre, 30 Harbour Road, Wan Chai
How much: General admission is $350. Get yours here!