London West End actor John Addison (second from right) has a chance to explore Chinese cities such as Shenzhen while touring with the musical Titanic. CHINA DAILY
Known for his captivating performances and magnetic stage presence, John Addison, an actor from London's West End, recently embarked on a musical tour of China with a production of Titanic, taking in five cities in the course of a month.
As he immersed himself in the vibrant tapestry of Chinese culture, he discovered a deep appreciation for the nation's people, its gastronomy, and awe-inspiring landmarks.
"I found the people to be incredibly welcoming, generous, and the cuisine to be magnificent," he said. "Everywhere I went, I was encouraged to indulge in various delicacies, with locals insisting that I must try specific dishes in certain locations, such as the hot pot in Chengdu or Xiaolongbao in Shanghai."
As someone who loves food and enjoys exploring new cultures, he said it was a delightful experience.
Throughout his journey, Addison was profoundly touched by the assistance he received from his Chinese "supporters" — saying he found it was not sufficient to describe them as mere "fans".
Whether in Beijing or Shanghai or elsewhere, people flocked to his performances, displaying unparalleled enthusiasm that left him humbled and grateful.
"Some even attended multiple shows," he exclaimed. "After each performance, there was always a crowd of supporters requesting pictures and autographs. It's clear that there is a strong demand for this kind of show in China, and people are eager to experience Western musicals."
During his time there, the 42-year-old Londoner had the privilege of experiencing the genuine warmth and generosity of Chinese people first-hand.
"The audience in China was incredibly generous. Despite our requests for them not to spend their money on flowers, as we were constantly on the move and couldn't take them with us, they would still buy bouquets for us. They insisted on gifting us the flowers as a token of their appreciation for our performances. It was a truly touching gesture," he said.
Addison (left), pictured on stage in Titanic, is full of praise for Chinese theatergoers. CHINA DAILY
As a tourist in China, he found Chinese people "very friendly and accommodating".
"Whenever I was out and looking for food, I noticed that many Chinese people were eager to speak English and help me whenever they thought that I was facing some form of difficulties," he said. "I found this to be truly beautiful, a reflection of human nature. When you are in a foreign country, perhaps alone, and struggling to communicate or to place an order, having someone approach you and genuinely ask, 'How can I help you?' is incredibly heart-warming."
What also amazed Addison was the country's advanced infrastructure, exemplified by efficient transportation systems that include high-speed trains and modern amenities. He marveled at China's newly-built malls and the seamless integration of innovative technologies such as Alipay. He even humorously contrasted his experience in China with what he encountered upon his return.
Reflecting on the stark differences between his personal experiences and the China portrayed in Western media, Addison emphasized the importance of first-hand encounters.
"I think China is an incredible country with magnificent landmarks like the Great Wall and beautiful sites such as the West Lake in Hangzhou," he said. "By going beyond what we hear in Western media and forming our own opinions through personal experiences, we can truly appreciate the country's rich culture and diverse landscapes."
