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)
Production photo from A BOUFFON PLAY ABOUT HONG KONG
Credit: Chris Payne
News
I'm delighted to share that I will be presenting an excerpt of my new play, MASHA HAS A GUN! at the upcoming Pleasance Scratch.
The play has been through many versions over the past 3 years, and it's my first time presenting it to an audience. Come along for the ride!
Date: 12th November 2025
Time: 7:30pm
Venue: Main House Cabaret, The Pleasance Theatre
Playwright: Isabella Leung
Director: Kim Pearce
Poster Design: Jeffrey Choy x Anne Point
Follow my socials for further announcements!
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/
