Step inside the Red Mansion and experience 2025's daring new musical where love is a gamble, power is fleeting, and fate is unavoidable. This East-meets-West fusion reimagines Chinas most beloved classic with a thrilling score blending traditional eastern melodies, western musical theatre, and pop nostalgia. Fans of Miss Saigon, Six or Games of Throne, this show will captivate you with its sweeping romance, political intrigue from a unique oriental perspective. If you love epic stories, East-West fusion, or want to see an ambitious 100% ESEA musical production, Caged Sisters will move and captivate you.What is the Story? - A Tale of Love, Power and Tragedy.In a world where fate is written in ink and blood, two sisters navigate love, survival, and scheme within a powerful yet decaying household. One seeks security through seduction and obedience, the other freedom through defiance"but both are caught in a web of feudalism, deception, and doomed passion. As power shifts and choices unravel, their fates become a chilling reflection of a society where even the victors are prisoners of their own making. A story of dreams turned to dust, love turned to ruin, and survival at an unbearable cost.What's the Inspiration? - A Story From Red Mansion's Dream (Often hailed as Chinas greatest literary masterpiece, Hnglu Mng is a sweeping epic of love, power, and downfall within an aristocratic family in the 18th century. Originally written by Cao Xueqin, it is a story of forbidden romance, social ambition, and the inescapable grip of fate, all set against the backdrop of a crumbling dynasty. Think of it as Chinas Gone with the Wind meets Pride and Prejudice, with the grandeur of The Great Gatsby"but deeper, darker, and more heartbreakingly real. Its not just a novel; its a cultural phenomenon. It has shaped Chinese literature, philosophy, and drama for centuries.

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… we have a small favour to ask. We don't want your money to support a hack's bar bill at Abattoir, but if you have a pound or two spare, we really encourage you to support a good cause. If this review has either helped you discover a gem or avoid a turkey, consider doing some good that will really make a difference.

You can donate to the charity of your choice, but if you're looking for inspiration, there are three charities we really like.

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Mama Biashara
Kate Copstick’s charity, Mama Biashara, works with the poorest and most marginalised people in Kenya. They give grants to set up small, sustainable businesses that bring financial independence and security. That five quid you spend on a large glass of House White? They can save someone’s life with that. And the money for a pair of Air Jordans? Will take four women and their fifteen children away from a man who is raping them and into a new life with a moneymaking business for Mum and happiness for the kids.
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Theatre MAD
The Make A Difference Trust fights HIV & AIDS one stage at a time. Their UK and International grant-making strategy is based on five criteria that raise awareness, educate, and provide care and support for the most vulnerable in society. A host of fundraising events, including Bucket Collections, Late Night Cabarets, West End Eurovision, West End Bares and A West End Christmas continue to raise funds for projects both in the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa.
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Acting For Others
Acting for Others provides financial and emotional support to all theatre workers in times of need through the 14 member charities. During the COVID-19 crisis Acting for Others have raised over £1.7m to support theatre workers affected by the pandemic.
Donate to Acting For Others now