Starmer and Stratford-upon-Avon's RSC promote British theatre in Shanghai
The Royal Shakespeare Company showcased its creativity with an exclusive performance and pop-up installation from the cast of Matilda The Musical
The Prime Minister has visited the Design Innovation Institute in Shanghai, alongside members of The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) and The National Theatre, to celebrate British theatre's global impact.
The RSC, based in Stratford-upon-Avon, showcased its world-class creativity with an exclusive performance and pop-up installation from the cast of Matilda The Musical.
The multi-award-winning production will return to China for a third tour from February to August 2026, expected to entertain more than 250,000 audience members across the country.
Seb Torkia and Amelia Adams, who portray Mr and Mrs Wormwood in the musical, performed at the event alongside RSC Co-Artistic Director Daniel Evans.
Wardrobe Supervisor Sharon Williams and Wigs and Make-Up Supervisor Helen Keane also demonstrated the intricate craftsmanship behind the production.
Speaking in Shanghai, Daniel Evans said: “The RSC is proud to share the best of British theatre with audiences around the world, strengthening the connections and joy that theatre brings across borders.
"The 2026 Matilda The Musical China tour showcases world-class British creativity and supports more than 100 jobs for UK nationals. Running from February to August, this acclaimed, multi-award-winning production will delight over a quarter of a million audience members across China.
"First performed on our stage in Stratford-upon-Avon in the heart of the West Midlands in 2010, Matilda The Musical continues to inspire audiences across the globe."
This visit follows the Prime Minister’s recent trip to Beijing, during which he worked towards establishing a more consistent and strategic partnership between the UK and China to unlock future opportunities for British businesses to expand into the Chinese market.
Sir Keir Starmer said: "The success of Great British organisations such as the National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company in China showcases the strength and appeal of our world-leading creative industries.
"Their superpower is their soft power – benefiting Britain across the globe."
A delegation of 60 representatives from British business, sport, and culture joined the trip.
Kate Varah, Executive Director and Co-CEO of the National Theatre, said: "The National Theatre offers the widest access to high quality theatre in the world and has a rich history of sharing productions on stage and in cinemas in China. As such, joining the Prime Minister on this vital trip is a fitting privilege.
"We are thrilled to share the news that National Theatre’s smash hit play Inter Alia starring Rosamund Pike will be coming to Chinese cinemas this spring. Thanks to our partners ATW Culture, who have significantly increased the number of venues screening National Theatre Live in China, we are now able to turbo-charge our reach. This important play, written by Suzie Miller, resonated deeply with audiences during its sold-out run at the National Theatre. The stage production will shortly transfer to London’s West End, and it’s wonderful that a whole new audience across China will now get to experience it in cinemas."
The UK theatre sector plays a significant role in the rapidly growing creative industries, contributing £2.39 billion annually to the economy and supporting over 200,000 jobs.