Leslie & Anita: Fallen Stars of Hong Kong - Adelaide Fringe Review

Photo: Supplied

Content warning: Themes of depression, suicide, and cancer

Following the lives and musical careers of deceased 80’s Hong Kong artists and queer Cantopop icons Leslie Cheung and Anita Mui, vocalists Nicky Tsz Tung Li, Samuel Lau, and narrator Jennifer Trijo dedicate a heartfelt and truly moving tribute to the fallen stars of Hong Kong. Songs are performed in Cantonese predominantly, with English subtitles for all to read and sing along to. 

Establishing the context of the show, it begins at the start of Cheung and Mui’s musical careers during the cultural revolution occurring in Hong Kong in the late 1960’s, faced with the patriarchal, colonist, and imperialist regime in their city. 

Sharing an abundance of chemistry between each other, Li plays Mui, while Lau plays Cheung as they perform and recreate the pivotal moments in each of their careers. Cheung and Mui’s discography is intertwined with the narration of each of their lives. 

With limited background about Cheung and Mui, the show-stopping choreography and vocals by Li and Lau appeared to truly capture the iconic status of both fallen stars. The transcendence of societal boundaries and glitz shines through all of their performances; they’re bold, unapologetic, and snazzy. 

Cheung and Mui’s gender-fluidity and sexuality are portrayed on stage spectacularly, emitting an aura that is unmistakably associated with both artists. Lau’s red heels as he performs Cheung’s hit, Red was fabulous. 

The tide turns however, as they narrate the final days of Cheung and Mui. The grim reality of the epidemic of SARS in Hong Kong in the early 2000’s took a toll on the city and both fallen stars. Bring tissues to dry your tears, as you’ll definitely need them after these moments. 

As a queer Asian-Australian myself who speaks (fairly fluent) Cantonese watching other local emerging queer Asian creatives on stage perform amongst a sell-out crowd filled with aunties and uncles, the impact of this show will be remembered for years to come. 

Whether you’re familiar with the artists or not, Leslie & Anita: Fallen Stars of Hong Kong is a truly worthy tribute show guaranteed to take you on an entertaining emotional rollercoaster of hope, authenticity, and retro Cantopop.

Rating: ★★★★★

Show details: Leslie & Anita: Fallen Stars of Hong Kong