April Events: A round-up of the can’t-miss happenings in HK this month

In a month full of public holidays, many in Hong Kong will be understandably tempted to leave its shores and venture farther afield to take full advantage of the surplus of free time. However, to assume that this means a dearth of exciting SAR-based events this month would be grossly mistaken. Below is a round-up of the hottest April events happening right here in Hong Kong.

Beauty and Sadness: 5-12 Apr

Much to the apparent delight of theatregoers everywhere, Nobel Prize-winning Japanese novelist Yasunari Kawabata’s novel Utsukushisa To Kanashimi To (Beauty and Sadness) has been reinvented as a chamber opera. Famously, the piece traces the relationship of an accomplished classical painter and her student, an abstract artist with a passion for adventure. An engrossing reflection on desire, infatuation, jealousy and revenge, audiences are said to be provoked into reassessing the very meaning of love.
Lyric Theatre, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Wan Chai. HK$380–880.

Hong Kong Rugby Sevens: 5-7 Apr

Arguably Hong Kong’s grandest – or, at the very least, most anticipated – sporting event of the year, the HK Rugby Sevens returns this month, much to the delight of the city’s fancy dress outfitters, no doubt. Truly far more than just a rugby tournament, the Sevens is undoubtedly one of the most jubilant events on city’s annual calendar and gives sports fans the opportunity to dress up and cheer for their favourite teams. Liquor is also, occasionally, taken too.
Hong Kong Stadium, 55 Eastern Hospital Rd, Causeway Bay. $HK425 onwards.

Van Gogh Alive: The Experience: 6-7 Apr

Art lovers may want to stock up on the absinthe if they want to fully immerse themselves in the imminently-arriving Van Gogh Alive Experience. A genuinely multisensory exhibition, it is said to give visitors a unique insight into the world of the 19th-century Dutch Post-Modernist grand master. Tag along with the tortured visionary as he tours Arles, Saint Rémy, Auvers-sur-Oise and the other sites that inspired his many timeless masterpieces.
1/F, FTLife Tower, 18 Sheung Yuet Rd, Kowloon Bay. HK$230.

John Mayer Asia Tour 2019: 8 Apr

If your crush on Grammy-winning American singer-songwriter John Mayer was more than just a passing teenage fad, you’ll be delighted to hear that he is making his Hong Kong debut this month. A true musical playboy and best-known for such smashes as Daughters, Gravity and Your Body Is A Wonderland, the night promises to be a revelatory romp through his well-loved back catalogue, which is no bad thing given that many of his more recent releases have – shall we charitably say – left the upper reaches of the charts largely untroubled.
Hall 5 BC, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai. HK$698–1,198.

World MuayThai Grand Extreme: 9 Apr

If you thought taking time out for a trip to Thailand was the only way to experience Muay Thai, you’ll be delighted to know you can save on the airfare and instead secure a ringside seat for Grand Extreme, a showcase of some of the world’s finest exponents of this particular martial art, which is drop-kicking its way into Hong Kong later this month. Featuring high-level bouts between fighters from four continents, the competition is sure to be fierce, but – given its Thai antecedents – also a little on the polite side.
Star Hall, Kowloonbay International Trade & Exhibition Centre, Kowloon Bay. HK$250–1,000.

Sónar Hong Kong 2019: 13-14 Apr

Returning for its third eclectic, electric extravaganza, the big beats of the Sónar Music Festival – the “best electronic music festival in the world” according to its unbiased promo material – will see ravers and the more rhythmically-inclined dancing the night away in the somewhat incongruous surroundings of the Hong Kong Science Park. This year, the line-up is particularly impressive, with such legendary toe-tappers as Danish electropop star MØ and American DJ Thundercat taking to the stage. Sure to be the most memorable of musical experiences, Sónar is also hosting a wide array of pop-up bars and world food emporiums.
Hong Kong Science Park, 2 Science Park West Ave, Pak Shek Kok. HK$580–780.

Ed Sheeran ÷ Tour: 17-18 Apr

After breaking hearts by cancelling his Hong Kong concert back in 2017 following his highly-publicised biking accident, Ed Sheeran, the much-beloved British singer-songwriter, is finally making good on his promise to return to the city. With the ginger gazzillionaire’s curiously titled ÷ Tour tour already ensconced in the history books as the fourth-highest-grossing concert series ever, fans can expect to hear such croon-along faves as Shape of You, Thinking Out Loud and The A Team. Thankfully, rumours that he intends to cycle to the venue have been proven to be Fake News.
Fantasy Road Outdoor Venue, Hong Kong Disneyland, Sunny Bay. HK$888–1,288.

Pinkfong Baby Shark Live Musical: 20-21 Apr

The protagonist of the long-treasured toddlers’ YouTube song / video Baby Shark is set to escape from the screens of countless digital devices and materialise on-stage in Hong Kong for the first time ever as the undoubted star of the Pinkfong Baby Shark Musical. With the plot – such as it is – extrapolated from the children’s karaoke fave, the musical tells the tale of the lost baby shark’s bid to be reunited with his family back in the far, faraway Ocean Land. Said to be fun for the whole family – yeah, right – it’s probably best to assign this one to the nanny, though you may have to slip her a few extra dollars as compensation.
Star Hall, Kowloonbay International Trade & Exhibition Centre, Kowloon Bay. HK$280–580.

Tin Hau Festival: 27 Apr

Celebrating the birthday of Tin Hau, the Goddess of the Sea, is the Tin Hau Festival in multiple locations. Locals are expected to flock to 70-plus temples to pray to the goddess for good weather and harvests, while other attendees across the city can expect a grand three-hour long parade featuring floral wreath groups, lion dancers, Cantonese opera and marching bands, depending where you choose to take part. Indeed, truly one of Hong Kong’s most delightful days of celebration, Tin Hau Festival is a traditional day you won’t want to miss.
Tin Hau temples across multiple locations.

March Events in Hong Kong: A round-up of this month’s must-see events

With Chinese New Year come and gone, the city has swung right back into entertainment mode. From Hamlet and the Hong Kong Contemporary Arts Show to the mouth-watering Taste of Hong Kong and the 2019 Hong Kong E-prix, here’s our round-up of the top March Events in Hong Kong.

Jabbawockeez – True to Yourself

2–31 Mar

Arriving in Macau for the first time, iconic dance crew the Jabbawockeez will host their debut Macau residency show. Taking place for nearly the entire month of March, dance-lovers and those with eyes for entertainment can enjoy the energetic showmanship of state-of-the-art audio, visual and lighting technology that compliments the already stunning moves of the Jabbawockeez.

MGM Theater at MGM COTAI. HK$388–988. mgm.mo/en/cotai/entertainment/jabbawockeez

Maroon 5 – Red Pill Blues Tour

3 Mar

Fans of LA-based pop-rock band Maroon 5 are in for something of a treat when the Grammy-winning group make their Macao debut at The Venetian Macau this month, ready to rock concert-goers with a set bristling with old favourites such as This Love and Moves Like Jagger, as well as all the very best from Red Pill Blues, their current album and sixth chart-topper. An early treat in a year that looks set to see the city host the best acts from both Asia and the West, it’s probably best to check if your dancing trousers still fit.

The Cotai Arena, The Venetian Macau. HK$688–2,116. cotaiticketing.com

Tai Kok Tsui Temple Fair

3 Mar

For the 15th consecutive year, the Tai Kok Tsui Temple Fair returns to Hong Kong with its joyous celebration of Hung Shing, the God of the Sea. With all the action taking place just a few minutes from Mong Kok, attendees can expect to spend the day wholly immersed in traditional Chinese arts and culture. The day begins, of course, with a grand parade, complete with sparkly costumes, acrobatic mayhem and a display of percussion perfection. In the evening, the organisers promise 18 dancing lions and at least one 500-foot-long dragon winding its way through the streets. This, it’s fair to say, is no ordinary itinerary.

45, Fuk Tsun St, Tai Kok Tsui. tkttemplefair.org.hk

Hamlet

7–9 Mar

Bardolatrians can rejoice as one of Shakespeare’s most admired works makes its long overdue return to Hong Kong. Hamlet, a play cherished as much for its vivid lyricism as for its universal motifs, is undoubtedly the world’s best-loved tragedy, making this latest interpretation – a contemporary Chinese translation, complete with a star-studded cast at the ever-glorious Grand Theatre – all but unmissable. With renowned director Li Liuyi – fresh from the smash hit success of his singular take on King Lear that was the talk of Beijing last year – at the helm, this promises to be the definitive Hamlet of our times. Performed in Putonghua with Chinese and English surtitles, no one need miss out.

Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui. HK$200–600. hk.artsfestival.org

Animals Asia’s Women’s Day Lunch

8 Mar

Continuing admirable advocacy of all things furry and four-legged, Animals Asia will be hosting a fourcourse vegan (of course) Women’s Day Lunch, with a limited number of tickets said to still be available. The big draw at the event is Jill Robinson, the founder and CEO of the charity, who will be outlining the organisation’s biggest successes to date, while also demonstrating the scale of the challenges that remain. It’s a mustattend meal for anyone serious about championing animal rights causes throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Doggy bags all but guaranteed.

Maison ES, 1A Star Street, Admiralty. HK$860. animalsasia.org

2019 Hong Kong E-Prix

10 Mar

Once again, the Hong Kong E-Prix is on track to supply the need-for-speed crowd with an air-punching display of Gen2 racecars, with a number of on- and off-road surprises also promised for all keen automobile aficionados. With 22 drivers and 11 teams, this is by far the biggest race to date, and, as if that weren’t enough, this year also marks the debut of Attack Mode, a facility that allows drivers to reach a top speed of 225kmph – 25kmph faster than any past E-Prix has been able to deliver. Thankfully, not one to overlook the environment, this year’s event is skewed towards all-electric vehicles and will provide a gripping update on all the latest developments in this dynamic field.

Central Harbourfront. HK$50–3,180. ticketflap.com/hkformulae

Disney Springtime Carnival

15 Mar–30 Jun

If you’re looking for a way to entertain the kids, while not having too shabby a time yourself, pencilling in a trip to Disneyland’s Springtime Carnival may well be in order. Yes, one of Hong Kong’s “most magical places” – at least according to the House of Mouse PR machine – is set to have Mickey and Co celebrate the season with a characterful egg-hunt, a fantasy parade, and, of course, an enchanting Easter carnival. Fortuitously opening just in time for the festivities is the brand new projection show We Love Mickey!, which apparently has cutting-edge visual effects by the bucketload. Hah, take that, Ocean Park!

Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, Lantau Island. HK$400–534. hongkongdisneyland.com

Taste of Hong Kong

21–24 Mar

Get your palate prepped as the fourday Taste of Hong Kong food festival is under starter’s orders and taking orders for starters. With 60 delicious dishes on offer and 12 of the city’s leading eateries participating, opting for the best course may not be as simple as it sounds. This year, the event is welcoming a number of first-timers – including The Flying Elk and Old Bailey – as well as seeing the return of several old favourites, most notably Chôm Chôm and Zuma. Veteran or virgin, however, the central appeal remains the same – the chance to see world-class chefs in action during a series of live demonstrations.

Central Harbourfront. HK$150–678. hongkong.tastefestivals.com

Art Basel Hong Kong

29–31 Mar

Asia’s premier art fair returns with works from all the very finest artists of five different continents, while retaining a particular emphasis on Asia and Asia-Pacific creatives, with their works accounting for some 50 percent of the total on display. As well as having a chance to mull over the epoch-defining artistic masterpieces on show, attendees will also have the chance to mingle with the artists, attend seminars dedicated to individual works and, should they be fortunate enough, be treated to a glimpse of a few of the submissions that are not on show to the general public. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition

Centre, 1 Harbour Road, Wan Chai. artbasel.com

Asia Contemporary Art Show

29 Mar–1 Apr

In keeping with its long-established status as Asia’s premium modern art hub, Hong Kong will be hosting the 14th Asia Contemporary Art Show at the end of this month, giving admirers of the abstract a welcome opportunity to renew their acquaintance with the works of many of the world’s contemporary artists. In total, more than 2,500 fine examples of the most notable contemporary art being produced across the world – including emerging talents and past masters – across a range of fields will be fleetingly assembled for your dissection and delectation. Best mark your calendars, but in a knowing, post-modern, fourthwall breaking sort of a way…

Conrad Hong Kong, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway. asiacontemporaryart.com

Our watch list of the most binge-worthy Netflix shows

What better way to pass time on a lazy Sunday afternoon than by catching up on the new binge-worthy Netflix shows? Check out our favourites here.

Tidying Up with Marie Kondo

Japanese organising consultant and author Marie Kondo helps clients de-clutter their houses and helps give their homes makeovers in this series that has an universal appeal, both to those who are great at tidying up their houses and those who aspire to do that some day.

Sex Education

In this quirky and sometimes poignant series, a socially awkward high-school virgin opens a clinic on sex education with his whip-smart badass friend Maeve. While drawing out quite a few chuckles and even uproarious laughter from the audience at its comedic scenes, the series deftly touches upon topics of relationships, trauma, body positivity, gender roles, homosexuality and religion, ‘educating’ us along the way.

You

Based on the eponymous 2014 novel by Caroline Kepnes, You follows the journey of Joe Goldberg, a New York bookstore manager, who falls in love with an aspiring writer Guinevere Beck. What happens next is anything but a love story, but it’s sure to keep you at the edge of your seat and breathlessly waiting for the next season which – thankfully –is already being filmed.

The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina

Adapted from the comic book series, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, this is a rather dark coming-of-age tale, where teenage witch Sabrina Spellman juggles between her dual nature– half-witch, half-human – while fighting against the evil forces that threaten her family.

Bodyguard

Originally a BBC series, Bodyguard started airing on Netflix late last year, quickly striking a chord with viewers as they immerse in war veteran David Budd’s struggles to come to terms with the polarizing political ideology of the very politician he is working for. Richard Madden, as David Budd, won audiences’ heart and the Golden Globe for the Best Actor in a TV Drama in 2018 for his titular performance.

Did You Know: Five fun Mickey Mouse facts as the cartoon icon turns 90

As Walt Disney’s most iconic character, the eternally-youthful Mickey Mouse has enjoyed a long and storied history as one of the most well-loved characters in the entertainment company’s considerable back catalogue. We celebrate the world’s most famous cartoon figure’s 90th birthday with five fun Mickey Mouse facts that you probably never knew.

Who’s Mortimer Mouse ?

When Walt Disney first created the cartoon back in 1928, he originally wanted to dub him ‘Mortimer Mouse’. It was only the timely intervention of his wife, who claimed the name sounded too pompous and suggested the now-famous alternative.

Talking Out Loud

For the first eight films in the Mickey Mouse film series, the famous character is seen laughing, crying and whistling but never fully conversant. It wasn’t until 1929’s black-and-white animated short, The Karnival Kid, that Mickey finally found his voice. His first words? “Hot dogs!”

Walk of Fame First

In 1978, Mickey Mouse became the first-ever cartoon character to receive his very own star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. The occasion marked his 50th birthday, and he paved the way for others in his animated posse, including Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Bugs Bunny and Winnie the Pooh.

Cutting a Controversial Figure

While Mickey Mouse may be one of the world’s most well-loved characters, it seems he hasn’t always been as popular as most would assume. In fact, the child-friendly character has actually been banned in one country or another for decades, including Mussolini’s Italy and Nazi Germany in the ’30s, the 1988 Seoul Olympics and as recently as 2014 in Iran.

A Rose by Any Other Name

While the physical attributes of Mickey Mouse are recognisable all over the world, the same cannot be said about his name. The petit rodent actually has numerous aliases around the world, including Mi Lao Shu in Chinese, Topolino in Italian, El Raton Mickey in Spanish and Musse Pigg in Swedish.

Thor Play: What’s next for Chris Hemsworth after Avengers: Endgame?

The clock is ticking. In just three months, fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) will finally get to see the ultimate conclusion of the (current) saga in Avengers: Endgame. While anticipation is high to see just how the world’s greatest superheroes bounce back from having half the universe destroyed by mega space villain Thanos, in real life, many are wondering just which of the actors are bidding farewell to the franchise in this valedictory epic.

For a while now, rumours have abounded that it may be the last big screen outing for Chris Evans (Captain America) and Robert Downey Jr (Iron Man). What, though, of that other pillar of the Marvel Universe, the Mighty Thor, as played by Chris Hemsworth in three solo outings and three titanic Avengers team-ups? It’s a fair question. While we know that the character survived the apocalyptic events of last year’s Avengers: Infinity War, we don’t know if the upcoming blockbuster will see the exiled God hang up his legendary hammer for good.

Since Thor burst into cinemas in 2011, Chris Hemsworth has become wholly synonymous with the mighty Norse God. Given his statuesque physique and blonde locks, it’s a role he seemed born to play. It’s also a part that propelled him from being a little-known soap star in Australia to becoming the world’s fourth highest-earning actor, taking home some US$64.5 million last year, according to Forbes magazine.

In order to find success in Hollywood, however, he had to travel a good deal further than most – some 12,800 kilometres to be exact. Born on 11 August 1983 in Melbourne to Craig, a counsellor, and Leonie, a teacher, Chris was the second of three sons. Growing up between stints in Melbourne and extended stays in the wilds of the country’s Outback, one thing was clearly seared into his memory – the relative poverty of the semi-nomadic Hemsworth family.

It was this grim reality that fuelled his resolve to become an actor. It was an ambition he shared with his two brothers – Luke and Liam – both successful actors in their own right. Indeed, it was elder brother Luke who got Chris his first break – a guest spot on Neighbours. It was, however, a rival soap –Home and Away – that brought him lasting local fame. However, he quit the soap after three years back in 2007, announcing he was heading off to Hollywood on a mission to make or break his career.

His first break came when he was cast as George Kirk, father of the far-better-known James T, in the 2009 reboot of Star Trek. As Kirk Senior dies in the movie’s opening minutes, it was, however, never destined to be a recurring role. It was another two years, though, before he got the career-defining opportunity to bring the God of Thunder to life.

With Thor as his calling card, his days of uncertain employment were over. Aside from his MCU commitments, he was soon taking the lead in other big budget productions, including Snow White and the Huntsman, Red Dawn and Rush.

Such success, though, was not without its costs. In particular, he was dogged by industry gossip that his wife, Spanish actress Elsa Patsky was struggling to come to terms with her husband’s new superstar status and his prolonged absences from his Byron Bay, Australia home and family, especially his three young children – India, Sasha and Tristan – due to his busy filming schedule.

But this period of constant commuting may soon come to an end for Chris Hemsworth, largely on account of the Heir of Asgard not necessarily featuring in plans for the next phase of the MCU. While Thor’s ultimate fate won’t be known until 24 April – when Endgame hits a megaplex near you – the fact that his multi-picture Marvel contract expires this year is well known. So far, the actor’s comments on his post-Endgame career have been tantalizingly non-committal, with the 35-year-old saying: “I may even take a whole year off. Maybe, it’s time I cashed in and checked out.”

Many, though, see the actor as being a little disingenuous. There is, indeed, no real reason for him to hang up his hammer, with every possibility that Thor could return as the elder statesman of the MCU in many instalments yet to come. Even if he doesn’t, Chris Hemsworth has already signed up to take the lead in the reboot of Men in Black, the high-tech alien-hunting comedy franchise. When you have the stature of Hemsworth – both literally and figuratively – there’s always going to be some franchise that wants you on its books.

Text: Tenzing Thondup
Photos: AFP

January Movies: What to watch in Hong Kong theatres next month

January Movies can often be overshadowed by the buzzing films who await their prize-winning envelopes at the Oscars or Golden Globes. However, that isn’t to say the films released in the first month of year are to be missed completely. January often supplies theatres with popcorn explosions of sequels, horror, reboots and lighthearted comedies that help you start the new year in good cheer. We’ve narrowed down the seven most buzz-worthy films for you this coming month.

Glass

17 January 2019

Glass is the all-new comic-book thriller with a star-studded cast of leads such as Bruce Willis, Samuel L. Jackson and James McAvoy, who are reprising their roles from past films Unbreakable and Split to conclude the trilogy. Following the conclusion of Split, the film follows Willis’ character as he tried to pursue McAvoy’s superhuman figure of the Beast. The film’s plot is harder to grasp than most, but with all three actors known to deliver complex portrayals in the thriller genre, we can’t wait.

Second Act

24 January 2019

We know what you’re thinking, how many times can Jennifer Lopez star as a brilliant working-class girl just down on her luck? Well, an infinite amount of times because despite the clichéd plots, Lopez still manages to deliver heartwarming performances. Second Act follows Value Shop assistant manager Maya Vargas (Lopez) as she manages to fool her way into a senior position on Madison Avenue, proving street smarts are just as valuable as book smarts.

Green Book

31 January 2019

Green Book tells the story of world-class African American pianist Don Shirley, as he embarks on his concert tour in the American Deep South in 1962. In need of a driver and security, Shirley hires American-Italian bouncer Tony Lip. The film follows the two through their differences and eventual bond. Green Book has been nominated for 5 Golden Globe awards for the the 76th annual ceremony, including Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, but is not without controversy as many have criticised the film for not being accurate and falling into the done-to-death white savior trope.

Mary Poppins Returns

31 January 2019

Those who are afraid that reboots tarnish the legacy of the original, have no fear, Mary Poppins Returns has been receiving rave reviews! This time all-grown up Michael Banks (Lin-Manuel Miranda) is still living in his parent’s house and with his three children. Michael must find the valuable shares that his father left him years ago, in order to convince the bank not to repossess his home. Much to his and the children’s surprise they receive a visit from his beloved childhood nanny Mary Poppins, who assures him she has returned to save the day.

Suspiria

31 January 2019

Following with the reboot trend is Suspiria, but this time rather than following the bewitched dance school in Italy, the story takes place in 1970s Berlin where an American dancer is set to replace the lead dancer of Helena Markos Dance Co – a woman who has had a nervous breakdown after accusing the school of dabbling in witchcraft. The original 1977 film was hailed a masterpiece in the horror genre and remains a cult classic to this day.

Creed II

31 January 2019

Defying the wishes of trainer Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone), Adonis Johnson (Michael B. Jordan) accepts the challenge to box the son of the man, who fought his father in the boxing ring nearly forty years prior, lost him his life. Training for the fight of his life, Adonis becomes obsessed with avenging his father’s death and Balboa too must confront his past with the match that lost him his dearest friend.

The Front Runner

31 January 2019

Gary Hart (Hugh Jackman), former senator from Colorado, stood a real chance of being the President of the United States in his 1987 Presidential run, with his charisma, intelligence and idealism inspiring an influx of young voters and making him the front-runner for the Democratic nomination. But that all came crashing down after allegations of extramarital affairs came to light. The Front Runner is being hailed as Jackman’s greatest performance.

‘Tis the Season: The top December events to check out in Hong Kong

Kick off the festive season with these can't-miss December events in Hong Kong — *Kick off the festive season with these can’t-miss December events in Hong Kong*

Although Christmas festivities are drawing ever-nearer, there are more goings-on in Hong Kong than just Saint Nick’s celebrations. From theatrical performances like The Nutcracker and Madame Butterfly to a mega pinot party at Central Harbourfront, here are some can’t-miss December events you should pencil into your calendar.

1 December: Pinot Palooza

Start the festive season as you mean to go on at the world’s largest wine party. Pinot Palooza are bringing some of the finest pinot noirs from Australia, New Zealand, France, Italy, North and South America right to the heart of Hong Kong. With Pinot Palooza clearly not a fan of faffing about with tokens, the ticket price includes a free, exclusive wine glass which is yours to take home and keep, plus as many sips and samples as you like. Red is the colour of Christmas after all. And white.

Hong Kong Observation Wheel, Central. HK$350.

6-8 December: Designinspire

The only Hong Kong expo dedicated to providing a global platform for innovative design opens its doors once again. From ecologically-sustainable lifestyle products to clean and convenient urban planning, this is where the future is taking shape. This year, exhibitors will be using interactive installations, 3D models and, for the first time ever, virtual reality headsets to bring their cutting-edge contemporary ideas into truly collaborative arena. If you’re wondering if there really is an alternative to plastic or just how to cool down the city in the summer, this is where you’ll find the answer. Probably.

Hong Kong Convention Centre, Wan Chai. Free admission.

7-9 December: Madame Butterfly

Puccini’s classic tragedy in three acts comes to Hong Kong on a mission to stun audiences with its emotional tale of unrequited love in a production that is equally haunting and impressive. It’s not only a delight for the ears, but also for the eyes, largely on account of its painstakingly-researched costumes and beautifully-rendered scenery. While its elegant colonial-era Japanese aesthetics give an aura of antiquity, this heart-wrenching tale of East meets West is truly transcendentally timeless.

Hong Kong City Hall Concert Hall, Edinburgh Place, Central. HK$180 – 680.

9 December: Longines Hong Kong International Races

While all true equestrian enthusiasts will have had this date in their calendar for several months now, it may have eluded those only moderately horsey, but that’s no reason to miss out. It would, after all, be somewhat remiss overlook 7,200 metres of races, jockeys from more than 60 countries, plus 18 home-grown competitors and a grand total of HK$93 million available in prize money. This is, indeed, top-quality, high-stakes racing at its best. After all, few events can boast such an impressive pedigree as this true highlight of Hong Kong’s horse racing season.

Sha Tin Racecourse, Sha Tin. HK$10.

14-26 December: The Nutcracker

With the Hong Kong Ballet’s newly-reinvigorated take on “the greatest music ever made for dance”, courtesy of the inimitable Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Christmas really is coming early this year. Watch in delight as toys, candies, flora, fauna and, of course, the eponymous nutcracker all come to life and set about thwarting the plans of the engagingly evil Rat King in this quintessential festive fare. Come along and discover just why The Nutcracker is such a perennial Christmas treat.

Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10, Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. HK$220 – 1,000.

22-24 December: Afternoon tea at The Peninsula

Christmas is a time for charity and indulgence and no one knows that better than The Peninsula, a truly iconic HK institution. This year, its luxurious lobby features festive afternoon “teas of hope”, complete with carols performed by many of the city’s leading choirs, all in aid of the Shanghai K Charitable Foundation and Make-A-Wish Hong Kong. If that’s still not enough to get you into the festive spirit then come down to their European-themed Christmas market on the 24th for carols, mulled wine and a few last-minute Christmas gifts.

The Peninsula Hotel, Tsim Sha Tsui. HK$508. Bookings must be made in advance.

22-25 December: Hong Kong Mega Showcase

We all have that one person in our lives who seems impossible to shop for when it comes to Christmas. This year, though, worry not as the Hong Kong Mega Showcase brings you the greatest and most diverse shopping experience you could ever wish for. Within its bounds, you will find themed food and wine zones, as well as dedicated spaces for fashion, beauty, home wares, electrical goods and even designer automotives. A true Christmas miracle for all last-minute shoppers.

Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai. HK$20.

30-31 December: A Viennese New Year

If you’re looking for a refined way to wave farewell to 2018 then look no further than award-winning Norwegian trumpet soloist Tine Thing Helseth, who is once again returning to the Hong Kong City Hall Concert Hall, where she previously performed with both the Hong Kong Philharmonic and the Hong Kong Sinfonietta Orchestra. This year’s Austria-inspired solo show features her unique take on Hummel’s Trumpet Concerto, considered by many as the veritable holy grail of classical trumpeting. An event not be missed by those who want to see out the year in style.

Hong Kong City Hall Concert Hall, Edinburgh Place, Central. HK$220 – 480.

30-31 December: Kowloon Old Boys’ Choir 10th Anniversary Concert

Since forming back in 2008, this talented group of Wah Yan College alumni has lost none of the love of music that characterised their early years, with their talent and dedication having transformed them from enthusiastic amateurs to award-winning semi-professionals. This will be their first large-scale public performance and a mammoth step forward in their mission to spread awareness of the importance of music education. Proceeds from the event went to the school where their own Euterpean adventure began.

The Jockey Club Auditorium, HK Polytechnic University, Jordan. HK$120 – 250.

Starry-Eyed: Hong Kong’s Top Night Hikes

With winter approaching, now is the perfect time to dust off your neglected trainers and get ready for hiking season! Hong Kong is blessed with countless and unquestionably remarkable trails, spanning the length and breadth of the SAR. And what better way to appreciate the luminous city lights and appreciate the not-so-urban jungle that rings our metropolis than by setting off on these beautiful night hikes.

Locals, expats, and tourists alike know Hong Kong for its pineapple buns and for its stellar hiking trails. One lesser known Hong Kong attraction, however, is Pineapple Mountain—aptly coined the “Mini Grand Canyon” of Hong Kong. Located at the end of West Rail line in Tuen Mun, Pineapple Mountain is differentiated from Hong Kong’s more well-known hiking locales—which are notably luscious and green—due to its dry terrain and rocky layers. This miniature canyon is a unique experience among Hong Kong night hikes (and accessible for hikers of all skill levels!), making it a must-visit venue to take that picture-perfect Instagram snap before peering across the canyon and taking in its dreamy starry skies.

Where: Pineapple Mountain, Po Lo Shan
Duration: 75 minutes
Difficulty: 3/10

Almost one year since suspending their majestic firework show, Disney is returning with their spectacular pyrotechnic display this January. Wondering how you can get yourself a private viewing of the romantic show? Don’t sweat! It’s easier than it sounds, we promise. After wrapping up a busy day at the office, just hop on a ferry (departing from Pier 6 inCentral) to Hong Kong’s quaint island of Peng Chau, and head north to the edge of the island to the end of Peng Chau Family Trail where you’ll find Fisherman’s Rock. Get settled in before the show begins at 7PM, and gaze across the water to enjoy the illuminated light show.

Where: Peng Chau Family Trail, Peng Chau Island
Duration: 20 minutes
Difficulty: 2/10

For those seeking night time thrills outside of Lan Kwai Fong’s entertainment lounges and clubs, Kowloon’s tallest peak – Suicide Cliff – is sure to impress. Note: This challenging trail is no easy feat even for the most experienced of hikers, so be sure to wear trainers with firm grips, pack a flashlight, and of course, bring plenty of water. Once you reach the peak of this more challenging of night hikes, you’ll be treated to an incredibly 360-degree view of Hong Kong, which many describe as “to die for.”

Where: Chau Hung, Kowloon
Duration: 1 hour
Difficulty: 8.5/10

Traversing the innocuously-named Twins on the south side of Hong Kong Island is one of those night hikes that is sure to make anyone work up a sweat, but it’s well worth the exertion. Under the moonlight, you will probably be too preoccupied with the stunning views of Repulse Bay to notice anything else, much less anyone’s sweaty brow. Challengers should prepare to brave a rather daunting 1,000 step staircase, but staying motivated is an easy task when promised a full view over the peninsula of Stanley.

Where: Repulse Bay, Hong Kong Island
Duration: 2-3 hours
Difficulty: 8.5/10

A classic, and rightly so, The Peak is the ultimate of night hikes in Hong Kong. Residents can escape their urban dwellings in the city below and depart into the jungle. There is much to appreciate along the way to The Peak proper – a rich assortment of wildlife, less congested trails compared to peak daylight hours, and only the stars (and the occasional lamp) to light the way until you reach the top.

Where: The Peak, Hong Kong Island
Duration: 2 hours
Difficulty: 5/10

Text: Bailey Atkinson

Beyonce: From pop princess to media mogul, we chart the rise of Queen Bey

From the moment Beyonce burst onto the music scene in 2003 with her first solo single, Crazy in Love, her stunning looks, sassy energy and killer voice ensured it was a hit. Throw in a soaring R&B horn section and a vocal contribution from acclaimed rapper (and eventual hubby) Jay-Z and the success of the track was assured. As was her own inevitable ascendancy to the all-time pantheon of pop greats.

Fast forward 15 years and she is the most-nominated woman in Grammy history and, as of 2014, she is the second-most-awarded recording artist of all time (behind only Michael Jackson, who she cites as her greatest musical influence).

Beyond accolades, it’s also fair to say that she’s not short of a few bobs. In 2016-17 alone, she earned US$60 million, making her one of the world’s highest-paid performers. The vast majority of that income came from her Formation World Tour, which grossed a quarter of a billion US dollars. Currently, Beyonce and Jay-Z (who she wed in 2008) are midway through their On The Run II Tour, which is expected to earn a staggering US$5 million per night.

Despite her fame, she is forever at pains to emphasise just how grounded and normal she remains, citing her faith as one of the things that keeps her real. Tackling the difference between her performer persona and her off-duty character, she says: “How I am on stage is very different to how I am in real life. I don’t think having a sexy image onstage conflicts with your ability to love God. No one knows what I’m really like just from seeing me from afar. I like to walk around with bare feet and I don’t like to comb my hair.

“How I feel about God and what He does for me, though, is something deeply personal. That’s very much about where I came from, my family and how I was brought up,” she adds. Whatever her religious allegiance, some deity certainly seems to be smiling on the girl born Beyonce Giselle Knowles in Houston on 4 September 1981. Before her solo success, she had already won widespread acclaim as a member of Destiny’s Child, the Texas-based all-girl trio that sold 60 million records worldwide before splitting up in 2006.

In 2002, while Destiny’s Child was taking an extended hiatus, she made her big screen debut in Goldmember, the third installment in the Austin Powers spoof spy movie trilogy. While a number of other cinematic outings followed, it wasn’t until 2008, when she took on the starring role of blues singer Etta James in biopic Cadillac Records, that her onscreen acting talent was finally widely acknowledged.

Despite being a multimedia entity – singer, songwriter, actress – she takes issue with being dubbed ‘Brand Beyonce’. She says: “I really don’t think of myself as a brand. I’m a singer, a songwriter, a musician, a performer and an actress, as well as all the other things that I do. When you add that all together, some might call it a brand, but that’s not my focus at all.”

She has , however, happily capitalised on the power of that perceived brand in order to shine a spotlight on a number of issues that are clearly close to her heart. In particular, as befits the times, her primary focus is now on empowering women.

Addressing this particular priority, Beyonce says: “Power means happiness, power means hard work and sacrifice. I truly believe that women should be financially independent from men. Let’s face it, money gives men the power to run the show. It gives men the power to define value. They even define what’s sexy and what’s feminine – and that’s clearly ridiculous.”

Despite – or, arguably, on account of – her crusade, her music is now seen as more relevant than ever. Her 2016 album Lemonade was one of her most acclaimed works to date, featuring in many reviewers’ best of the year recommendations.

Understandably, though, she is now at a point of rejecting at least part of her public persona, saying: “I’m so over being a pop star and I don’t wanna be seen as just a hot girl anymore. Now, I wanna be iconic. I’ve accomplished a lot and I’m highly respected, which is more important than any award or any amount of record sales.” As a summation of the life and times of Beyonce Knowles, it’s really rather hard to take issue.

Text: Robert Blain
Photos: AFP

From Miss World to prime-time star, Priyanka Chopra wins the world every time

While most 18-year-olds are contending with exam nerves and driving lessons, Priyanka Chopra was already Miss World…

Being crowned the world’s most beautiful woman, however, only proved Chopra’s entry to wider society. Since then, she’s gone on to become a global style icon, a Bollywood legend, an award-winning Hollywood star and much more.

Though now it seems unlikely that anyone could ever deprive her of her many achievements, these would have been all but inconceivable back in 1982 when she was born into a military family in Jamshedpur, a small town in India. With the Miss World win tucked under her Gucci belt, it was only a matter of time, however, till Bollywood – India’s take on Hollywood – came calling.

Looking back on her first steps onto a sound stage, Priyanka Chopra says: “When I got a movie offer, I thought: ‘Ooh, let’s try this too’. While I hadn’t come from a film background and I hadn’t learnt anything about films or film-making, I found I had a thirst to know everything about it. I immersed myself in cinematography, editing, soundtracking, post-production…”

Eventually, her hard work paid off, but it’s fair to say she was no overnight success. Initially hired as an eye-candy, it wasn’t until 2004 that she finally proved both a critical and commercial hit. This was the year when, playing against type, she stole every scene as Sonia Ray, a manipulative man-eater, in Aitraaz, a romantic thriller that stormed both the box office and India’s film awards.

After this, the floodgates truly opened. A string of box-office hits, nationwide recognition and awards – including the Padma Shri (one of India’s most prestigious civilian honours) – quickly followed. It was almost inevitable then that Priyanka Chopra should set her sights higher still, aiming for musical and screen successes in the West.

But her foray into the former met with mixed success. Both her albums failed to create a buzz, pretty much marking the end of her musical ambitions. Fortunately, she had a more luck in the acting stakes, with small screen success hers for the taking.

And take it she did, going on to secure the lead in Quantico, a peak-time terrorism drama that saw Priyanka Chopra take on the role of Alex Parrish, a newly-recruited FBI agent. The role made her a household name and won her the Best Actress award in the prestigious People’s Choice Awards. But before the celebrations were over, dark clouds were gathering around the Quantico lot.

With Quantico getting cancelled just weeks into its third season, the show hit a new low when one particular plotline saw it attract international condemnation, while many personally vilified Chopra for turning her on her own people. The plot – branded “ridiculous”, “stupid” and “implausible” by online critics – saw Parrish (Priyanka Chopra) set out to thwart a conspiracy by rogue Indian scientists to blow up New York, and then blame it on Pakistan.

With many alleging that she had betrayed India by acquiescing to such a grotesque plotline, pretty much all of the outrage occasioned by the episode in question focused on its leading lady.

With the series already cancelled, however, it is a storm that Chopra will surely weather. Indeed, the bandwagon seems to have already moved on. Right now, the media is more focused on her ‘am I / aren’t I?’ relationship with Nick Jonas, an Americna singer. Whether this is true love or a tactical diversion from her own goal on the Quantico front is of, course, highly debatable.

What is less debatable, however, is that even as her FBI procedural heads off to re-run heaven, Chopra’s own career remains very much on course. With two new Hollywood projects already in the pipeline, as well as an expected return to the Bollywood throne, her most intriguing new venture will see her branching out in a whole new direction, with Unfinished, the first volume of her memoirs, set for publication next year.

Text: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay