Published : 2025-02-25
This time there really is no miracle! The Sunbeam Theatre (新光戲院) in Hong Kong's North Point, has repeatedly faced closure crises but managed to survive. However, after 53 years, it is finally coming to an end.
Sunbeam Theatre, a Cantonese opera hall in Hong Kong is not only a stage for renowned performers to showcase their talents and a cradle for nurturing younger generations, but it is also a cultural landmark of Cantonese opera and the collective memory for its fans.
Unforgettable scenes of a "Full House" at Sunbeam Theatre
I live in North Point and pass by the Sunbeam Theatre every day. I vividly remember the "Full House" flags hung outside, the bustling lobby and the crowded streets nearby, as well as the Cantonese opera fans waiting by the back doors after a performance. They anxiously looked on, holding bouquets and small gifts. All of these scenes are etched in my memory.
After March 3, 2025, all these will become history. The building where Sunbeam Theatre is located was purchased by a church group earlier and will be converted for religious purposes in the future.
Sunbeam Theatre opened in 1972 and marking its debut with a documentary screening
The historic Sunbeam Theatre was founded in 1972 by a troupe from Shanghai, and it is renowned for its traditional Cantonese opera performances. The site where Sunbeam Theatre stands was formerly the Hong Kong branch of the Commercial Press (商務印書館香港分廠).
The original plan of the owner was to build a residential building, but it was later changed to a theatre. In the theatre, there are two auditoriums equipped with large stages and dressing rooms, among other facilities.
At the beginning, the Sunbeam Theatre was mainly a movie theatre, and the first film released was the documentary Cultural Relics Unearthed During the Cultural Revolution (《文化大革命期間出土文物》).
Starting from the 1980s, the Sunbeam Theatre was rented out to Cantonese opera troupes for performances, with shows taking place every day.
Many famous Cantonese opera artists, such as Yam Kim Fai (任劍輝), Pak Sheut Sin (白雪仙), Hung Sin Nui (紅線女), and Lam Kar Sing (林家聲), have performed on its stage.
It has also been a nurturing ground for renowned artists like Yuen Siu Fai (阮兆輝), Loong Koon Tin (龍貫天), and Koi Ming Fa (蓋鳴暉).
Read more: Sunbeam Theatre once faced a closure crisis
Sunbeam Theatre has faced closure crisis twice
In the 1990s, Cantonese opera began to decline, and the Sunbeam Theatre also faced operational problems.
The Sunbeam Theatre faced its first closure crisis in 2005, when the owner sought to reclaim the property for a themed mall development.
In August of the same year, Lisa Wang (汪明荃), a renowned actress and host in Hong Kong, negotiated with the landlord of the Sunbeam Theatre on the renewal of its tenancy on behalf of the Cantonese opera community of Hong Kong.
With the intervention of the Hong Kong Government, the Sunbeam Theatre was able to have its tenancy renewed until 2009. The lease was later renewed for another three years, but with a substantial increase of nearly HKD 700,00 in rent.
The second closure crisis of the Sunbeam Theatre in 2012 was even more critical, as lease renewal negotiations remained in deadlock until two days before closure. At that point, Li Kui Ming (李居明), who runs the Sunbeam Theatre, successfully renewed the lease and invested millions to renovate the theatre.
On May 21, 2021, the Sunbeam Theatre reopened with its new Chinese name "新光戲院大劇場". It retained its nostalgic style with a refurbished marble lobby and seats, additional sound and lighting equipment, as well as digital projectors.
The theatre was transformed into a multi-functional performance venue for Cantonese opera, stage plays, concerts, and film screenings. This revitalisation allows it to continue its mission of promoting Cantonese opera and cultural preservation.
Read more: The evolution and development of Cantonese Opera in Hong Kong
Sunbeam Theatre is destined to close on March 3, 2025
Unfortunately, in 2023, the building where the Sunbeam Theatre is located was purchased by a church. Eventually, the Sunbeam Theatre could not continue. After the final Cantonese Opera performance "Hello Xiaoping" on March 3, 2025, a closing farewell ceremony will be held.
Although the Xiqu Centre (戲曲中心) in West Kowloon has been operational since 2019, along with other venues such as Hong Kong Cultural Centre (香港文化中心) and the Ko Shan Theatre (高山劇場) available for Cantonese opera performances, many older fans who have enjoyed performances at the Sunbeam Theatre for years still find the Sunbeam Theatre convenient due to its proximity to the MTR station.
Especially for the elderly living on Hong Kong Island, having to travel a greater distance to the other side of the Victoria Harbour to watch Cantonese opera performances in the future will undoubtedly require more consideration.
Read more: Yau Ma Tei Theatre has been revitalised into a Cantonese opera base
As the farewell approaches, take the opportunity to say goodbye to this landmark Cantonese opera hall, which has witnessed over 50 years of the development of Cantonese Opera in Hong Kong and brought all the joyful moments to opera fans.
