The best stage shows in Beijing this May

The best theatre, dance and classical music in Beijing this May

May is here, and with it comes a host of shows to enjoy on one of the many stages around Beijing. Whether it's classical music, opera or stage productions that are your jam – or all of them – we've got you covered with our picks of the best shows taking place this month.

Antonio Andrade: Mi Carmen Flamenca

Century Theatre. May 6. 180-880RMB

Antonio Andrade's Andalusian flamenco company presents an adaptation of Bizet's tragic opera Carmen, in a production that incorporates elements of jazz, salsa, flamenco and Arabic music. By doing so, Mi Carmen Flamenca reshapes the classic opera, both in music and dance, combining both traditional flamenco with the spirit of modern flamenco.

Bolshoi Ballet: Le Corsaire

NCPA. May 18-20. 280-1,280RMB

One of the world's top ballet companies returns to Beijing with Le Corsaire, the swashbuckling drama inspired by a Lord Byron poem that includes captive maidens, rich sultans, an awe-inspiring shipwreck and plenty of romance. Featuring logic-defying leaps, endless turns and stunning showmanship, this is one of dance's most entertaining ballets.

NT Live: Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

UCCA. May 20. 120RMB; 200RMB (ticket package)

In the early hours of the morning on the campus of an American college, Martha, much to her husband George’s displeasure, has invited the new professor and his wife to their home for some afterparty drinks. As the alcohol flows and dawn approaches, the young couple is drawn into George and Martha's toxic games until the evening reaches its climax in a moment of devastating truth-telling. A screening of the acclaimed UK production starring Imelda Staunton and Conleth Hill (Game of Thrones).

Bolshoi Ballet: The Flames of Paris

NCPA. May 22-25. 280-1,280RMB

Very few ballets can properly depict the Bolshoi's overflowing energy and fiery passion as Alexei Ratmansky's captivating revival of Vasily Vainonen's The Flames of Paris. With powerful virtuosity and some of the most stunning pas de deux, the Bolshoi Ballet displays an exuberance almost too large for the Beijing stage.

National Theatre: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

Tianqiao Performing Arts Centre. May 24-27. 99-880RMB

Based on the acclaimed novel by Mark Haddon, adapted by Simon Stephens and directed by Marianne Elliott, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time has been hailed by The Times as 'a phenomenal combination of storytelling and spectacle'. Winner of seven Olivier Awards in 2013, including Best New Play, Curious Incident has also won five Tony Awards and is one of the longest-running Broadway productions in over a decade.

Tchaikovsky: Music from Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker

Beijing Concert Hall. May 26. 100-680RMB

Tchaikovsky was a leading Russian composer of the late 19th century, whose works are notable for their melodic inspiration and orchestration. He is regarded as the master composer for classical ballet, as demonstrated by his scores for Swan Lake, The Nutcracker and The Sleeping Beauty. Join award-winning conductor Fan Tao as he leads an orchestra in performing these three sumptuous ballet scores.

Joshua Bell and The Academy of St Martin in the Fields

NCPA. May 26. 180-580RMB

Violinist Joshua Bell, dubbed the 'poet of the violin', made his debut at the tender age of 14 with Riccardo Muti and the Philadelphia Orchestra. With his staggering discography and virtuosic skill, the violinist has attracted legions of fans and is now music director of acclaimed chamber orchestra The Academy of St Martin in the Fields.

Ludovico Einaudi

Beijing Exhibition Center. May 28. 280-1,080RMB

Composer of countless film and television scores such as This Is England 86 and Ricky Gervais' Derek, Ludovico Einaudi's work straddles the line between soundtrack and concert hall fare, but his legions of fans still shout 'Ludo, Ludo,' when he spins his spacious, atmospheric music. A respected crossover artist, Einaudi is not for everyone, but sometimes, simplicity is good.

Debussymania

Forbidden City Concert Hall. May 31. 50-380RMB

For the centenary of legendary composer Claude Debussy's death, Croisements presents a number of Debussy-themed evenings, including one featuring Jean-François Zygel and Hugues Leclère, whose duelling pianos programme includes some of Debussy's best-loved works as well as solo and duet improvisations to honour the composer's numerous forays into this area (from these, the Preludes were born).

For more stage shows in Beijing this May, hit 'Read more'.

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