BackCommissioned by WestK Performing Arts | Co-produced by WestK Performing Arts and HKRep | HSBC Life presents "The Impossible Trial – a musical" | making a triumphant return to Shanghai
14.08.2026
Immediate Release
【HKRep】The Impossible Trial – a musical, the first original Cantonese musical commissioned by WestK Performing Arts and co-produced by WestK Performing Arts and the Hong Kong Repertory Theatre (HKRep), begins its 2026 Shanghai rerun today (14 August) at Shanghai Culture Square. Presented in its original Cantonese version, the musical returns to the Chinese Mainland stage following an acclaimed debut tour last year, with 20 performances scheduled until 30 August. All tickets sold out on the first day of sale, continuing the exceptional word-of-mouth popularity of its first mainland run. The musical features a top-notch creative team, including composer and musical director Leon Ko, lyricist Chris Shum, playwright Cheung Fei Fan, director Fong Chun Kit, staging director and choreographer Ivanhoe Lam, scenographer Wong Yat Kwan, as well as main cast members Lau Shau Ching, Leung Chung Hang, Jordan Cheng, Ronny Yuen, Tunes Ting, Sheena Chan, Clinton Zhang, Christopher Ying and more. Shanghai re-run will run until August 30 at Shanghai Culture Square. The 2026 Shanghai staging of The Impossible Trial – a musical is proudly title-sponsored by HSBC Life.
The Impossible Trial – a musical tells the story of Fong Tong Geng, Guangdong’s most prominent advocate, who is known for his greed and malice. However, at the height of his career, heaven deals Fong a blow and his reputation and wealth vanish overnight. Haunted by the bitter ghost of a childhood friend, Fong fights his way back to the magistracy to right his wrongs and redeem himself as the champion of the common man.
The story features intricate and poignant emotions, with a thought-provoking storyline and diverse musical styles, including Cantonese opera, nursery rhymes, waltz, classical, 1920s’ Broadway-style music, ballads, rock, pop folk songs and Buddhist music. The stage design integrates classical and modern aesthetics, showcasing Hong Kong’s unique artistic fusion while articulating the distinctive features of Lingnan arts and cultures, making this musical a rare gem in promoting the excellence of traditional Chinese culture.
Sold-out run in Shanghai in 2026 follows last year’s successful three-city tour
Since its preview in 2019, premiere in 2022 and acclaimed rerun in 2023, The Impossible Trial – a musical has steadily built a strong fan base in Hong Kong and the mainland, marking its unrivalled status as a flagship production in Hong Kong’s original musical theatre. In 2025, the show embarked on its first three-city tour in its original Cantonese version, taking in Shanghai and Beijing before returning to Hong Kong. A total of 53 performances were staged over three months at Shanghai Culture Square, Beijing Tianqiao Arts Center and WestK’s Xiqu Centre in Hong Kong, attracting close to 65,000 audience members and setting new records for a Hong Kong musical touring in the mainland in terms of the tally of performances and audience numbers.
The Impossible Trial has swept major musical theatre awards in Hong Kong and the mainland since 2023, garnering over 30 significant accolades. With more than half of the audiences for its 30 Hong Kong performances in 2025 coming from the mainland, and its thematic cultural merchandise proving immensely popular, the production has become a big draw among audiences nationwide.
Fuelled by the overwhelming support from mainland audiences, The Impossible Trial returns to the stage of Shanghai Culture Square from 14 to 30 August for 20 consecutive performances. Tickets for the Shanghai rerun were released in two phases in May and June, including an additional performance, and all sold out soon after going on sale, demonstrating the production’s reputation as a must‑see musical and further cementing its status as a distinctive Hong Kong cultural IP.
Celebrating the 100th performance milestone with audiences on 22 August
Since its premiere at WestK’s Xiqu Centre in 2022, The Impossible Trial has continued to expand its performance tally. On 22 August this year, the musical will reach a major milestone with its 100th performance, which will be marked by limited-time pop-up events in the foyer of Shanghai Culture Square for that evening’s audience. In addition, a series of celebratory activities – including an exhibition of precious photos and objects from the production, as well as cast meet-and-greets — will invite fans of the show to celebrate the milestone together and share in the achievement of original musical theatre from Hong Kong.
A decade in the making – a benchmark for Hong Kong’s original musical theatre
The creative concept for The Impossible Trial first emerged in 2015. The musical features a top-notch creative team from Hong Kong, including composer and musical director Leon Ko, lyricist Chris Shum, playwright Cheung Fei Fan, director Fong Chun Kit, staging director and choreographer Ivanhoe Lam, scenographer Wong Yat Kwan, as well as main cast members Lau Shau Ching, Jordan Cheng, Tunes Ting and more.
To support its long-term development as a touring show, the production team conducted global open casting calls to attract a new generation of theatre talents, many of whom have earned recognition at major theatre awards. The 2025 tour welcomed 19 new cast members, including Leung Chung Hang, Ronny Yuen, Sheena Chan and Christopher Ying enriching the touring version with new layers and perspectives while staying true to the essence of the original.
The Impossible Trial has achieved outstanding artistic recognition alongside its remarkable box office success, having garnered more than 30 major awards in Hong Kong and Chinese Mainland since 2023. Its most recent honours include “Leading Role Award” (Lau Shau Ching) at the 34th Shanghai Magnolia Stage Performance Award this year. The production has also achieved remarkable success at the Hong Kong Drama Awards. At the 31st edition, it swept 10 awards, including “Best Production”, “Best Director (Tragedy/Drama)” (Fung Chun Kit), “Best Actor (Tragedy/Drama)” (Jordan Cheng), “Best Actress (Tragedy/Drama)” (Tunes Ting), and “Best Supporting Actor” (Tragedy/Drama) (Clinton Zhang). Moreover, the new cast members claimed four prestigious honours at the 34th edition, namely “Best Musical Leading Actor” (Leung Chung Hang), “Best Musical Leading Actress” (Sheena Chan), “Best Musical Supporting Actor” (Fung Chi Yau), and “Best Musical Choreographer” (Ivanhoe Lam, Lim Wei Wei).
The story features intricate and poignant emotions, with a thought-provoking storyline and diverse musical styles, including Cantonese opera, nursery rhymes, waltz, classical, 1920s’ Broadway-style music, ballads, rock, pop folk songs and Buddhist music. The stage design integrates classical and modern aesthetics, showcasing Hong Kong’s unique artistic fusion while articulating the distinctive features of Lingnan arts and cultures, making this musical a rare gem in promoting the excellence of traditional Chinese culture.
Paul Tam, Executive Director, Performing Arts of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority, said, “With its 2025 tour to Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong, The Impossible Trial – a musical delivered 53 performances to nearly 65,000 audience members. Its triumphant return to Shanghai this year and its upcoming 100th performance milestone underline the artistic vitality of Hong Kong’s original creations and the excellence of the city’s performing arts sector. WestK Performing Arts looks forward to taking the production to even more cities across the Chinese Mainland and around the world so that more audiences can enjoy a first-hand experience of the unique charm of Hong Kong arts and culture.”
Poon Wai Sum, Artistic Director, Hong Kong Repertory Theatre, said, “People often equate Shanghai with its iconic Bund, which has long been established as a cultural symbol. This year, the city of Shanghai welcomes the 100th performance of The Impossible Trial, adding something legendary to the cultural landscape of the ‘Shanghai Bund’. Ever since its world premiere, The Impossible Trial has gained widespread popular support and critical acclaim for its deeply humanistic sensibilities, excellent artistic standards and unique Cantonese musical theatre style. We feel truly honoured, and are committed to working twice as hard as we go forward.”
Daisy Tsang, Co-CEO, Insurance, HSBC, said, “We’re honoured to continue our title sponsorship of The Impossible Trial as the production returns to Shanghai and reaches a major milestone with its 100th performance. Building on the success of the 2025 tour, we’re proud to continue supporting a home-grown performance that resonates strongly with audiences and helps energise Hong Kong’s arts and cultural landscape. At HSBC Life, we’re committed to backing cultural initiatives rooted in our home city and helping local productions reach a wider stage — inspired by art, protected for life. We look forward to the continued success of The Impossible Trial and to seeing its impact grow further as it connects with new audiences.”
The Impossible Trial – a musical tells the story of Fong Tong Geng, Guangdong’s most prominent advocate, who is known for his greed and malice. However, at the height of his career, heaven deals Fong a blow and his reputation and wealth vanish overnight. Haunted by the bitter ghost of a childhood friend, Fong fights his way back to the magistracy to right his wrongs and redeem himself as the champion of the common man.
The story features intricate and poignant emotions, with a thought-provoking storyline and diverse musical styles, including Cantonese opera, nursery rhymes, waltz, classical, 1920s’ Broadway-style music, ballads, rock, pop folk songs and Buddhist music. The stage design integrates classical and modern aesthetics, showcasing Hong Kong’s unique artistic fusion while articulating the distinctive features of Lingnan arts and cultures, making this musical a rare gem in promoting the excellence of traditional Chinese culture.
Sold-out run in Shanghai in 2026 follows last year’s successful three-city tour
Since its preview in 2019, premiere in 2022 and acclaimed rerun in 2023, The Impossible Trial – a musical has steadily built a strong fan base in Hong Kong and the mainland, marking its unrivalled status as a flagship production in Hong Kong’s original musical theatre. In 2025, the show embarked on its first three-city tour in its original Cantonese version, taking in Shanghai and Beijing before returning to Hong Kong. A total of 53 performances were staged over three months at Shanghai Culture Square, Beijing Tianqiao Arts Center and WestK’s Xiqu Centre in Hong Kong, attracting close to 65,000 audience members and setting new records for a Hong Kong musical touring in the mainland in terms of the tally of performances and audience numbers.
The Impossible Trial has swept major musical theatre awards in Hong Kong and the mainland since 2023, garnering over 30 significant accolades. With more than half of the audiences for its 30 Hong Kong performances in 2025 coming from the mainland, and its thematic cultural merchandise proving immensely popular, the production has become a big draw among audiences nationwide.
Fuelled by the overwhelming support from mainland audiences, The Impossible Trial returns to the stage of Shanghai Culture Square from 14 to 30 August for 20 consecutive performances. Tickets for the Shanghai rerun were released in two phases in May and June, including an additional performance, and all sold out soon after going on sale, demonstrating the production’s reputation as a must‑see musical and further cementing its status as a distinctive Hong Kong cultural IP.
Celebrating the 100th performance milestone with audiences on 22 August
Since its premiere at WestK’s Xiqu Centre in 2022, The Impossible Trial has continued to expand its performance tally. On 22 August this year, the musical will reach a major milestone with its 100th performance, which will be marked by limited-time pop-up events in the foyer of Shanghai Culture Square for that evening’s audience. In addition, a series of celebratory activities – including an exhibition of precious photos and objects from the production, as well as cast meet-and-greets — will invite fans of the show to celebrate the milestone together and share in the achievement of original musical theatre from Hong Kong.
A decade in the making – a benchmark for Hong Kong’s original musical theatre
The creative concept for The Impossible Trial first emerged in 2015. The musical features a top-notch creative team from Hong Kong, including composer and musical director Leon Ko, lyricist Chris Shum, playwright Cheung Fei Fan, director Fong Chun Kit, staging director and choreographer Ivanhoe Lam, scenographer Wong Yat Kwan, as well as main cast members Lau Shau Ching, Jordan Cheng, Tunes Ting and more.
To support its long-term development as a touring show, the production team conducted global open casting calls to attract a new generation of theatre talents, many of whom have earned recognition at major theatre awards. The 2025 tour welcomed 19 new cast members, including Leung Chung Hang, Ronny Yuen, Sheena Chan and Christopher Ying enriching the touring version with new layers and perspectives while staying true to the essence of the original.
The Impossible Trial has achieved outstanding artistic recognition alongside its remarkable box office success, having garnered more than 30 major awards in Hong Kong and Chinese Mainland since 2023. Its most recent honours include “Leading Role Award” (Lau Shau Ching) at the 34th Shanghai Magnolia Stage Performance Award this year. The production has also achieved remarkable success at the Hong Kong Drama Awards. At the 31st edition, it swept 10 awards, including “Best Production”, “Best Director (Tragedy/Drama)” (Fung Chun Kit), “Best Actor (Tragedy/Drama)” (Jordan Cheng), “Best Actress (Tragedy/Drama)” (Tunes Ting), and “Best Supporting Actor” (Tragedy/Drama) (Clinton Zhang). Moreover, the new cast members claimed four prestigious honours at the 34th edition, namely “Best Musical Leading Actor” (Leung Chung Hang), “Best Musical Leading Actress” (Sheena Chan), “Best Musical Supporting Actor” (Fung Chi Yau), and “Best Musical Choreographer” (Ivanhoe Lam, Lim Wei Wei).
The story features intricate and poignant emotions, with a thought-provoking storyline and diverse musical styles, including Cantonese opera, nursery rhymes, waltz, classical, 1920s’ Broadway-style music, ballads, rock, pop folk songs and Buddhist music. The stage design integrates classical and modern aesthetics, showcasing Hong Kong’s unique artistic fusion while articulating the distinctive features of Lingnan arts and cultures, making this musical a rare gem in promoting the excellence of traditional Chinese culture.
Paul Tam, Executive Director, Performing Arts of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority, said, “With its 2025 tour to Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong, The Impossible Trial – a musical delivered 53 performances to nearly 65,000 audience members. Its triumphant return to Shanghai this year and its upcoming 100th performance milestone underline the artistic vitality of Hong Kong’s original creations and the excellence of the city’s performing arts sector. WestK Performing Arts looks forward to taking the production to even more cities across the Chinese Mainland and around the world so that more audiences can enjoy a first-hand experience of the unique charm of Hong Kong arts and culture.”
Poon Wai Sum, Artistic Director, Hong Kong Repertory Theatre, said, “People often equate Shanghai with its iconic Bund, which has long been established as a cultural symbol. This year, the city of Shanghai welcomes the 100th performance of The Impossible Trial, adding something legendary to the cultural landscape of the ‘Shanghai Bund’. Ever since its world premiere, The Impossible Trial has gained widespread popular support and critical acclaim for its deeply humanistic sensibilities, excellent artistic standards and unique Cantonese musical theatre style. We feel truly honoured, and are committed to working twice as hard as we go forward.”
Daisy Tsang, Co-CEO, Insurance, HSBC, said, “We’re honoured to continue our title sponsorship of The Impossible Trial as the production returns to Shanghai and reaches a major milestone with its 100th performance. Building on the success of the 2025 tour, we’re proud to continue supporting a home-grown performance that resonates strongly with audiences and helps energise Hong Kong’s arts and cultural landscape. At HSBC Life, we’re committed to backing cultural initiatives rooted in our home city and helping local productions reach a wider stage — inspired by art, protected for life. We look forward to the continued success of The Impossible Trial and to seeing its impact grow further as it connects with new audiences.”
