In the twilight years of the Qing Dynasty, the young Western-educated aristocrat Deling is summoned to the Imperial Palace where she comes face-to-face with the authoritative Empress Dowager Cixi and her constrained son Emperor Guangxu.
Worlds collide as Deling’s sharp intellect and sincerity breathes life into centuries of rigid imperial tradition, shattering boundaries while bringing warmth to a severe, methodical world. Despite their differences, the two strong-willed women forge a special bond through tears and laughter that unites them in times of turbulence and transformation.
With a stellar cast led by Jiang Shan, Lang Ling and Xiao Yuliang, Deling and Cixi is a resplendent cinematic feast that transports audiences back to the opulent heyday of the Forbidden City at the turn of the 19th century. This captivating palace drama shines a lavish light on a deep-rooted way of life struggling to preserve its identity in the face of a rapidly approaching future.
Written by celebrated Chinese playwright He Jiping, whose classic Top Restaurant 《天下第一楼》was presented at Esplanade in 2017, Deling and Cixi is a tale that transcends history and captures the spirit of a new millennium.
This production is a tribute by Fairchild International Culture to Chinese language classics.
Produced by: ChicPia / Damai Mailive / Fairchild International Culture / Baiyue Culture
Producer: Li Dong
Director: Szeto Wai-cheuk
Revival Director: Li Ren
Early Bird (3 – 21 Dec 2025, limited tickets)
Black: 20% savings
White: 15% savings
Discover: 15% savings (Min. of 2 tickets)
From 22 Dec 2025, 10am
Black: 15% savings
White: 10% savings
Discover: 10% savings (Min. of 2 tickets, limited tickets)
Applicable to Standard Cat 1–3 tickets only. Terms and Conditions apply.
Not a member? Sign up for free!
From 22 Dec 2025, 10am onwards
Min. of 4 tickets, limited tickets
Applicable to Standard Cat 1 – 3 tickets only.
All Secondary Schools, Junior Colleges/ Centralised Institute & ITEs may use the Tote Board Arts Grant to subsidise up to 50% of the programme cost.
For more details, please contact Esplanade Box Office at 6828 8389 or email boxoffice@esplanade.com.
For every 20 student tickets purchased per performance, one complimentary teacher ticket will be issued.
The complimentary offer is only available for purchases made in a single transaction for the same show title.
For Homeschool Community and International Schools, to make a booking or an enquiry, please contact Esplanade Box Office at 68288389 or email boxoffice@esplanade.com.
View AllWhen a show is cancelled, ticket buyers will be duly notified by the event organiser primarily via email. You may also be notified through the event organiser's authorised ticketing agent, media or any other applicable communication channels. Information will be provided on where and when you can get your refund. For postponed performances for which the date of the new performance is known, refunds are optional.
For free programmes, any cancellations or postponements will be updated on the event website and/or relevant official communication channels. As no tickets are issued, refunds do not apply.
Explore Offstage
