I am a bilingual (English and Chinese) actor, writer and clown from Hong Kong. I work across continents, writing and performing in theatres and films. I am experienced in devising, physical theatre and comedy.
I tell wild and bold stories from the perspective of the outcasted ones, the odd and funny ones, and I often take political risks in my work with an unhinged sense of humour. My work has been described as ‘punk’, ‘otherworldly and unique’.
My recent work as a playwright, director and performer, A BOUFFON PLAY ABOUT HONG KONG, 21' finalist Women's Prize for Playwriting, was presented at HOME theatre Manchester. Through this work, I was nominated by the public as finalist for 23' Manchester Culture Awards Independent Creative of the Year.
MCR Culture Awards quote:
"The play explores the nuances of Hong Kong's cultural identity, history, and current sociopolitical climate. It received high praise for its ability to tackle complex issues with creativity and thoughtfulness."
I am Isabella (she/her)
News
The early part of summer flew by with the hot days, miles of flat lands and a clear blue sky. I'm still reminiscing our rural tour around Lincolnshire - HENRY VIII USED TO HATE US - we did it!
When I say 'we', I mean a very small but mighty creative team with myself, Ryan Gilmartin (producer, writer and actor), Dave Malkin (composer and musician) and John Dipper (composer and musician). The four of us met during our R&D two years ago, and were thrilled to receive more ACE funding to tour the show. These guys are so talented and passionate - I was constantly blown away (or well up with tears) when I hear Ryan's words accompanied by Dave and John's music.
From heritage sites to football club, we performed to varies communities as we chant as one like the Fen Tigers. We wanted to inspire local audiences, and make them feel proud of their history and regional identity.
Press
'A genre-bending exploration of cultural identity through parkour, dance, and clowning that shows exciting promise and moments of striking physical poetry'
Everything Theatre on ANCESTRAL TIME TRAVEL AGENCY, 26 November 2024.
https://everything-theatre.co.uk/2024/11/review-ancestral-time-travel-agency-camden-peoples-theatre/
"Leung’s writing sparkles with humor and poetic resonance and speaks to both traditional and contemporary sensibilities."
Seen Anything Lately on ANCESTRAL TIME TRAVEL AGENCY, 25 November 2024.
https://seenanythinglately.wordpress.com/2024/11/25/ancestral-time-travel-agency-review-lost-in-time-found-in-identity/
"Exuberantly playing around with theatrical form... had real impact."
Circle and Stalls on A BOUFFON PLAY ABOUT HONG KONG, 28 December 2023
https://circlesandstalls.com/2023/12/28/manchester-theatre-best-of-2023/
'Crushing insecurity': Hong Kong theatremakers on starting anew in the UK.
The Stage, 13 February 2023
Manchester Evening News, 13 February 2023
"Leung delivers an accomplished and assured performance, perfectly capturing Ching's arrogance, and she is utterly devastating in her sorrow at a key moment in the show."
★★★★ The Understudy on A GAME NOT LOST, 07 March 2023
https://www.theunderstudy.co.uk/2023/03/review-game-not-lost-pit-vault-festival.html
"Leung inhabits all the speaking verse with clarity but pitched way beyond that to extremes when it matters."
Fringe Review on Romeo and Juliet, 28 August 2023
https://fringereview.co.uk/review/brighton-year-round/2023/romeo-and-juliet-9/
