A new theatrical production is set to combine maritime history, speculative fiction, and contemporary music. Asian Pirate Musical will make its full stage debut at Upstairs at the Gatehouse in Highgate, north London, running from 28 July to 2 August 2026.
The production represents the culmination of a six-year development timeline. The project previously secured a sold-out work-in-progress run at The Vaults in 2020, followed by a concert showcase at the Pleasance Theatre in 2024 and the release of a studio cast album last year.
Time Travel in the Straits of Melaka
The story of the musical begins in the year 2049, focusing on a lone seafarer navigating the Straits of Melaka beneath a climate-ravaged red sky. When a massive storm hits the vessel, it pulls characters from different eras and dimensions onto a single ship, forcing them to work together to survive.
The script blends documented historical figures with futuristic archetypes. Audiences will see the 14th-century Muslim navigator Zheng He, played by Yñaqui Tuason-Inocian, and the 19th-century pirate leader Sek Yeong, portrayed by Amanda Maud.
These figures share the deck with 21st-century climate refugees and 23rd-century space revolutionaries. Together, the mismatched crew fights deep-sea monsters, navigates ship graveyards, and negotiates internal power struggles while searching for a sense of community.
Read more: ‘Asian Pirate Musical’ Director Zhui Ning Chang on Bringing Joyful Representation to the Stage
The creation of the musical relied on a collaborative writing team consisting of Zhui Ning Chang, Frey Kwa Hawking, Jade Leamcharaskul, Sarita Lewis, Nemo Martin, and XANA. Chang also serves as the director, leading a cast that includes Ashley Goh, Rai Endah, and Nabilah Hamid.
The show features a complex sonic palette overseen by lead composer Jade Leamcharaskul and sound designer Vincci Chung. The score combines traditional Asian instrumentation with 21st-century Asian pop music styles and broader diasporic influences, aiming to reflect the varied origins of the characters.
The visuals are handled by set and costume designer Mikayla Teodoro, alongside lighting designer John Chan. The production is intended for audiences aged 12 and above, carrying a running time of two hours, including an interval.
The staging is supported by public and institutional funding bodies, including Arts Council England, the New Diorama Theatre, and the Lincoln Arts Centre at the University of Lincoln. Additional backing came from Kakilang and New Earth Theatre, two organisations dedicated to supporting East and Southeast Asian artists in the United Kingdom.
By addressing themes of displacement, grief, and solidarity, the creators aim to present a contemporary fable about survival in an unpredictable world. Tickets for the limited London run are currently on sale.
