English
English
2 hr 20 min with interval
Language
Currency
4.2
GWYNETH DUNTUnited Kingdom
It was nothing like they advertised on TV. Although it was good we were very disappointed
Shen Yun
DURATION
CLOSING DATE
Until January 18, 2026
AGE LIMIT
Suitable for 5+ yrs
from
£83.75
AboutVenueTicketsReviews
Why watch Shen Yun?
- A chance to witness a dance-music production bringing 5,000 years of Chinese civilization alive through classical Chinese dance, original orchestral scores, detailed costumes, and interactive backdrops.
- Praised for its blend of Eastern and Western instruments evolving with fresh choreography and new scenes every year, Shen Yun now tours across more than 200 cities globally, solidifying its place as a standout cultural experience.
- Visual storytelling unfolds across roughly 20 scenes in just over two hours, transitioning from Tang-dynasty court scenes to sweeping Mongolian grasslands, myths, and legends, structuring the performance like a tapestry of vivid, concise chapters.
- This run at the Eventim Apollo is part of Shen Yun’s limited seasonal tour, making this a timely opportunity not to be left waiting for an indefinite return. Book your tickets to Shen Yun in London now!
Travel back to the magical world of ancient China through one of the oldest art forms in the world – Shen Yun. This production will bring to you the ancient wisdom and beauty of China whose culture and spiritual roots have been displaced by the communist regime. Currently, Shen Yun cannot be performed in mainland China which is why the precious heritage of Chinese is being shared around the world through these epic productions every year.
Founded in 2006, Shen Yun is a premier classical Chinese dance company that has been performing for over a decade now. They strive to bring back civilization from the brink of extinction through their performances. And they continue this tradition, by showing limited performances at London’s Eventim Apollo Theatre.
Storyline
Shen Yun transports you across millennia of Chinese mythology, folklore, and history through a series of evocative dance vignettes. Expect scenes inspired by legends, like heavenly beings, Tang court elegance, and Mongolian landscapes, woven seamlessly through dance and live musical narration. The performance unfolds with no single linear plot, but instead as a tapestry of cultural snapshots, each with its own mood and message. In under two and a half hours, you’ll journey from the divine to the earthly, ending on a note of introspection, leaving you with a stirring sense of ancient wisdom and beauty that lingers long after the curtain falls.
Show timings
Show timings for Shen Yun may vary every week. You can check the show timings for your preferred date at the next stage of booking.
Cast & crew
- The cast is composed of professional Shen Yun dancers.
Note: Producers cannot guarantee the appearance of any particular artist, which is always subject to illness and holidays.
Age & content guide
- This production is recommended for ages 5+. Children aged 5 and under will not be admitted to this show. All children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Please keep in mind that London theatres do not have an age classification organization. This means that all age recommendations are subjective. Please use your judgment while purchasing tickets for any show.
Eventim Apollo Read more
The Eventim Apollo in Hammersmith is one of London’s most iconic entertainment venues. Originally opened in 1932 as the Gaumont Palace cinema, the Grade II listed building features striking Art Deco architecture. Over the decades, it has hosted legendary names in music and theatre, from The Beatles to David Bowie and Monty Python. Today, the Apollo remains a favourite venue for large-scale concerts, comedy, and spectacular stage productions.
The Eventim Apollo seating plan will help you find the best seats in the theatre.
Getting there
Address: 45 Queen Caroline St, London W6 9QH, United Kingdom
Tube: District and Piccadilly stations are nearby to Eventim Apollo
Bus: There are many bus routes going through the theatre, such as 119 , 211 , 218 , 220 , 23 , 295
Facilities & accessibility
Available facilities: In-house bar, coat check, and washrooms
Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible, Assistive Listening Systems, and Guide dog-friendly. Eventim Apollo welcomes disabled guests and strives to make the show accessible for everyone.
Additional information
- Security: To ensure your comfort and security, you might encounter a few security checks when you arrive at the venue.
- Dress code: Smart casual or semi-formal attire is the way to go.
- Outside food: While outside food isn't usually allowed, many theaters have cafes or restaurants nearby for you to check out before or after the show.
Tickets redemption
- You’ll get an instant email confirmation right after you book your tickets.
- Enjoy a hassle-free entrance to the venue by showing your mobile ticket and a valid photo ID – no printout necessary!
Cancellation & refunds
- Tickets cannot be refunded, amended, or rescheduled.
Ratings & reviews
4.2
5 ratings
2
2
1
0
0
GWYNETH
Feb 2025Verified booking
It was nothing like they advertised on TV. Although it was good we were very disappointed
Priya
Jan 2025Verified booking
Lovely booking experience. Show was superb.
Michelle
Apr 2023Verified booking
The performance was amazing but unfortunately the theatre seating is very inadequate and we had a restricted view and could see very little . The seating at this theatre is awful with seating on one level. The tickets were very expensive, I would never go to the appollo theatre again, I was extremely disappointed.
Robert
Apr 2023Verified booking
Very helpful, as I did not print tickets, box office sorted this out. Thanks
Irene
Apr 2023Verified booking
More reads
Frequently asked questions about Shen Yun
How much do the Shen Yun tickets cost?
The cost of the tickets start from £83.75 and will vary depending on the type of seats you choose.
What age is the show appropriate for?
The show does not have a strict age limit. However, it is most suitable for children aged 5 years and above.
Where is the show playing in London?
The show is playing at Eventim Apollo in London.
What can I expect from the performance?
A breathtaking journey through 5,000 years of Chinese culture with classical dance, live orchestral music, dazzling costumes, and immersive animated backdrops.
What’s the show’s format?
The performance is structured as about 20 short pieces, each telling a story or depicting a theme, rather than one continuous plot.
What does ‘Shen Yun’ mean?
It translates roughly as “the beauty of divine beings dancing.”
Anything I should know before the show?
You don’t need prior knowledge of Chinese culture. The program guide provides context for each vignette.
I’m not Chinese, will I still understand the show?
Yes. Narrators introduce each dance in English, making the stories accessible to all.
Is there a live orchestra?
Yes. Shen Yun features a unique orchestra combining Eastern and Western instruments in original scores.
Where is Shen Yun based?
The company is based in New York, at its home campus called Dragon Springs in the Hudson Valley.
Where are the performers from?
Artists come from across the world, many are of Chinese heritage, alongside musicians and dancers from the U.S., Europe, and Asia.
Why can’t Shen Yun perform in China?
Because its spiritual and cultural content is not permitted by the Chinese Communist Party, which has actively suppressed the company.
What is Falun Dafa (Falun Gong)? How is it related to Shen Yun?
It’s a Buddhist-based practice of meditation and self-improvement. Many Shen Yun artists follow this practice, which emphasizes Truth, Compassion, and Forbearance.
What’s the inspiration behind Shen Yun costumes?
Designs are based on traditional attire from dynasties and ethnic groups, all handmade in-house for each year’s performance.
Where does Shen Yun’s music come from?
Every piece has a new score composed for Shen Yun’s orchestra.
Where do Shen Yun’s dance stories come from?
They draw on Chinese history, folklore, literature, and timeless philosophies like those of Lao-Tzu.
Is this ‘Chinese ballet’?
Not quite. Classical Chinese dance is its own distinct art form, with different techniques, forms, and cultural foundations.
Are there Chinese acrobats?
No, while the dancers are athletic, the focus is on expressive storytelling rather than acrobatics.
Are there martial arts or kung fu?
Some movements derive from the same roots as martial arts, but they’re presented as dance, not combat.
I saw Shen Yun before, will it be the same performance?
No. A new production is created every year with new dances, costumes, music, and stories.