What do you get when an ex-British ambassador, a Qing dynasty rebellion, and a dash of unexpected roleplay collide? You get Chinese Boxing — a smart, stirring, and slightly surreal solo show that digs deep into the complicated history between China and the West. The setting: May 1912. The Republic of China is barely five months old. Sir Claude MacDonald, the former British ambassador in Peking, is on a lecture tour of Southwest England. He stops off in Bath to give a talk at the Theatre Royal. Topic: “China and the West today.” But things take a theatrical turn fast.

Instead of a straightforward speech, you’re whisked back to Peking, 1900, smack in the middle of the Boxer Rebellion — a bloody, chaotic siege where Chinese rebels surrounded the foreign legation quarter for 55 days. Sir Claude was there. He led the defence. And now he’s re-living it.

But here’s the twist: you, the audience, are mistaken for a visiting foreign delegation to the Imperial Palace. You’ll hear the Chinese side of the story — and it might upend everything you thought you knew.

Written and performed by Mark Kitto, a British actor and writer who spent nearly two decades in China, speaks fluent Mandarin, and once performed for the Shanghai People’s Arts Theatre, Chinese Boxing is part memoir, part history, part mind-bender.

This isn’t just a history lesson. It’s a sharp, immersive ride through a turning point in modern Asia — and a reminder that there’s always more than one side to the story.

Reviews for Chinese Boxing

'An intelligent and humorous show. A very good place to start if you want to understand China', Cindy Yu, The Spectator

'Beguiling, fascinating. This is a show to see,' Libby Purves

‘A stimulating and original show. I learned lots.’ Jonathan Freedland, Guardian and Radio 4

‘Historically fascinating and beautifully written,’ David Haig, actor and writer

‘Remarkable, pulled off beautifully with great presence and charisma. A fascinating dive into history through contemporary characters, alive and hugely human.’ Simon Daykin Director, Wells Maltings Theatre

‘Tour de force… loved the historical elements.’ Sue Bishop, Former British Consul General, Shanghai

‘Witty, informative, interesting and at times risqué. Good fun and fascinating – an outstanding solo performance – brilliantly delivered.’ W.B., Maddermarket Theatre Norwich

'Intriguing and informative... sometimes uncomfortable. Kitto's research is evident and he walks a line of sensitive impartiality with rare skill.' David King, formerly on the board of the China Britain Business Council

'Remarkable! Natural and fluent... particularly loved the Chinese character... so Chinese, so vivid. I was apprehensive I would be provoked. It is a painful and sensitive period of history. Once I felt safe with your standing, I was led by the performance and enjoyed it thoroughly.' Anon, London Chinese Community leader

‘This particularly resonant one-man play performed by Mark Kitto was a triumph of immersive theatre bringing to life three very different characters in a wholly believable and convincing manner - Highly enjoyable and thought provoking.’ David Bennett, Director, Stansted Park

This astonishing production delighted the audience in Streatley on 12 June with its clever mix of sound and visuals. Mark Kitto covers media bias, cultural appropriation, global power struggles and political calculation in a pacy and enjoyable three-act play. The viewer gets an insight into what went on during the 55-day siege of the foreign legations in Beijing that illuminates current world affairs. It is funny and thought-provoking at the same time. Unmissable. Nick Shanager, Goring Gap Festival Audience

And for readers of Chinese:

由中国通演绎的一段中国被列强入侵的史实，历史无法被忘却, Mark的表演令人深省难忘! 胡勤明

超级赞. Mark在Q&A分享了他在中国的经历和对中西关系的看法，诚实，公正，有见. 匿名