Chinese New Year Extravaganza at the Stockport Plaza Review
Chinese New Year Extravaganza
The Plaza Theatre, Stockport
28 February 2015
Reviewed by Cathy Porteus
It was the tenth day of the Chinese New Year – the year of the Sheep or Ram. This Chinese New Year Extravaganza was enjoyed by all the audience, who were wide ranging in age and background. The show was preceded by brief speeches from the Mayor of Stockport Kevin Hogg and the Chinese Consul to Manchester Mr Lee, who expressed their pleasure at being able to watch the performers and share in the New Year celebrations.
The performers were a mix of acrobats from China and local children and adults from the Jin Long Martial Arts Academy. The show opened with the participants briefly previewing their skills, then a fun but skilful dance from two Chinese dragons manned by four dancers in full yellow and red costumes.
The Chinese acrobats showed amazing flexibility and agility in various acts. The first act was a female acrobat balancing pots and even a table on her feet, then flipping it around as if it were a lightweight ball. This was followed by a Wu Shu artist who performed with some kung fu pandas, who went down particularly well with younger audience members. Later on there was a comedy knife throwing act, where an audience member took his life in his hands as the hapless knife thrower aimed to miss, just about managing to keep the show injury free. I particularly enjoyed a hat juggling exhibition, where performers moved hats from their heads to hands and on to each other. Like many of the feats, this must take many hours of dedicated practise to achieve such effortless harmony. I also was impressed with the Changing Faces opera performer, who miraculously flicked between eight different masks so quickly that it was impossible to see them alter.
The martial arts students put on impressive displays of Wu Shu, a modern form of kung fu. I’d never seen this before, but it was good to watch, like a mix of ballet and karate. Many of the performers were British gold medal winners, they showed their talents with swift movements and displays of strength. Perhaps the most impressive performance of all was that by the head of the school Master Chen, who in an impromptu finale, made a sword slice through the air at amazing speed, it was like a speeded up movie sequence and a fitting end to the night.
I very much enjoyed the Chinese New Year Extravaganza and would invite anyone who hasn’t yet seen it to try and make a date for the future, as it was a good night of variety for all the family.
There were plenty of volunteer staff at the Plaza, they work hard to make sure that visitors are welcomed and find their seats easily. The Plaza is well located for access by public transport, as it is just over the road from the bus station and a short walk from the train station. On road parking is free after 6pm and if there are no spaces, there are a number of payable public car parks not far away.
Rating: 5/5 
The Plaza, Mersey Square, Stockport, Cheshire. SK1 1SP | 0161 477 7779
