Speaking about the cast, Swan says: "I have been extremely impressed with the capabilities of the Chinese actors and crew.

"I believe we have been able to achieve quite a high level of sophistication in the show due to the great work and talent of all involved. So even though the industry is still young in China, I believe it has the potential to progress quickly."

Chinese actors, Liu Lingfei, a musical major student from the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, and Zheng Yunlong, who graduated from the Beijing Dance Academy and majored in musical performance, play the roles of Jekyll and Hyde.

Referring to his role, Liu says: "This is the most challenging role I've played because I sing 30 of the 32 songs. It feels like running a marathon."

Liu has acted in a number of Chinese musical productions, including the Chinese version of Cats and an original Chinese musical, Love U, Teresa.

If you go

7:30 pm, Sept 8-29. Tianqiao Performing Arts Center, 9 Nandajie, Tianqiao, Xicheng district, Beijing. 400-635-3355.