Hong Kong theaters reveal the city's diverse cultural heritage and its acceptance of cross-border cultures. These theaters are nice places to be since they host world-class events such as the Microfest, in addition to performing works from different authors, from Shakespeare to Tom Stoppard. They also attract large numbers of English and Chinese speaking audience alike.
1. Hong Kong Repertory Theatre
Being a government-funded troupe, the Hong Kong Repertory has mandate to host a number of selected local and international classics and masterpieces that are not found elsewhere. The Avenue of Stars, which is listed in Guinness Book of World Records, is also a nearby attraction where people go to see A Symphony of Lights.
Some tourists go to see theater performances after touring major attractions in Hong Kong, such as the Hong Kong Disneyland.
- How to get there: Buses 1, 1A, and 2 take you to the Hong Kong Cultural Center Bus stop. Alternatively, use the L6 Subway and take Exit E at Tsim Sha Tsui station. Read more on Hong Kong Cultural Center
2. Hong Kong City Hall
Built in 1962, it hosts a Concert Hall, Theater and an Exhibition Hall. It can sit about 1,400 people and tourists can expect a variety of performances including operas, jazz music, recitals and symphonies, among others. The Madame Tussaud Wax Museum is also a nearby place where tourists also go to enjoy movies and music from renown artists.
- How to get there: The address is 5 Edinburgh Place, Central. Take Exit A at the Hong Kong Station or Exit J at MTR Central Station.
3. Sunbeam Theatre
This theater favors those interested in local heritage, particularly Cantonese opera, otherwise, it can be challenging to understand performances. Performances last for over three hours.
- How to get there: At 423 King's Road, North Point, near the intersection with Shu Kuk Street.
4. Hong Kong Players
This is an English-only dedicated theater whose foundation can be traced to the Hong Kong Dramatic Society that started in 1844. Most of the performances are of the modern western drama and contemporary comedy categories. A Hong Kong's annual panto, which has been carried on from colonial days, is also hosted every December.
- How to get there: Also known as Spooky 3, the theater is in Tat Building (Block D), 3-5 Pat Tat Street, San Po Kong (near Diamond Hill, Kowloon).
5. Hong Kong Fringe Club
The Fringe Club hosts a variety of start up music groups, theater companies and artists. However, the invited are those that have earned trophies for their work.
The theater is also built in a beautiful colonial architecture.
- How to get there: On Wyndham Street, the address is 2 Lower Albert Road, Central. Use the MTR: Central Station (Exit D1, D2 or G); or bus 13, 23A and 26.
6. Orange Peel Music Lounge
Orange Peel hosts a number of musical performances, including Jazz, Rock, Canto-pop, R & B and Hip Hop among others. The performances are hosted 6 days a week. In addition to hosting performances, the theater serves both foods and drinks.
Among other things to enjoy include customer service from sommelier, wall murals and nine-foot grand piano.
- How to get there: At Ho Lee Comm Bldg along D'Aguilar Street. Use bus 13, 23A, and 26.
7. Take Out Comedy
It identifies as the first full-time comedy club in the city and hosts weekly comedy shows.
- How to get there: Use Exit D2 at Central Station and walk to Queens Road Central. Elgin Street, Soho is about 300 meters from Queens Road.
8. Yaumatei Theatre
Built in 1930, it is the only pre-World War II theatre building remaining in Hong Kong. It has been restored to its original style and is a good place to enjoy a taste of traditional Chinese theater performances. Although the size of the theater is small, it is a great place to see Cantonese opera. Attendees can rely on English-based synopses to understand performances.
- How to get there: Use Exit B2 at Yau Ma Tei MTR Station, and walk for about five minutes along Waterloo Road to Reclamation Road.
9. North District Town Hall
This is a public hall that hosts a variety of performances including cultural presentations and shows, in addition to ceremonies, concerts, conferences, seminars and arts. It has an auditorium and two function rooms.
- How to get there: It is adjacent to and only five minutes walk from the MTR Sheung Shui Station Exit A4 or B2.
10. Gao Shan Theater
This is a popular site for concerts, art and cultural performances, as well as the Cantonese opera. The venue was built in 1983, renovated in 1996 and can hosts up to 1000 people. Tickets can be booked online.
- How to get there: Ko Shan Theater is at 77 Gaoshan Street, Jiulongcheng District.
Visiting Hong Kong theaters with China Highlights
- A 3-day essence Hong Kong tour: This is a short tour that will see you not only visit the above theaters but also nearby other major attractions (e.g. the Ocean Amusement Park). This tour can be tailored to include a visit to one or more theatres of your choice.
