Crowds swell as Hong Kong’s Sunbeam Theatre turns off lights after 52 years
North Point venue became cultural landmark with its staging of Cantonese opera, with one fan saying her visit was ‘like a pilgrimage’
Police were forced to cordon off streets in Hong Kong’s North Point to manage swelling crowds on Monday as residents flocked to say farewell to one of the city’s most beloved theatres devoted to Cantonese opera, as the venue staged its final show after 52 years of delighting fans.
Earlier in the afternoon, residents had begun heading to Kiu Fai Mansion, which is located at 413-423 King’s Road and sports an impossible-to-miss, giant red neon sign that reads “Sunbeam Theatre” in Chinese.
Their numbers grew throughout the day, drawing ticket holders for the final show, Hello Xiaoping, at 7.30pm, as well as residents who simply wanted to soak up the atmosphere of the theatre one last time.
As the hours passed, the crowds grew and police cordoned off streets to ensure public safety.
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Curtain closes on Hong Kong’s iconic Sunbeam Theatre for the final time
Shortly before midnight, theatre operator Edward Li Kui-ming held a farewell ceremony attended by audience members. The lights were switched off at 12.15am on Tuesday.
“When I was 17 years old, I sat there to watch a movie,” said Li, who pointed at one seat at the back. “I didn’t realise it would be me after 50 years on this stage to witness the end of this theatre.