Little Panda Mandarin and Drama Club celebrates Chinese New Year

On Sunday 11 February, children from the East Sheen Little Panda Mandarin and Drama Club took part in an exciting performance packed with dancing dragons, drama, song and poetry.

The annual event was attended by Deputy Mayor Councillor Fiona Sacks who warmly addressed the audience and local MP Sarah Onlney. The event was hosted by Head of Little Panda School Xiaoyu Shi and local actor and co-head, Max Gold.

The charming mixture of performers ranged from the younger children, coming from local school’s such as Tower House and Sheen Mount and older students who have been members of the club for 10 years. As the host mentioned, these talented older performers could perhaps now be described as ‘Giant Pandas’ rather than ‘little ones’.

One of the highlights of the show was the performance of a short play about a Chinese Olympic high jumper who is inspired by the flight of the dragon. The climax of the performance was a rendition of a Happy New Year song performed in Mandarin by the younger children, dressed in sparkling costumes which matched their glowing faces. 

The delightful performance was followed by a raffle with prizes generously donated by local businesses. Many guests stayed on for a delicious Chinese banquet. 

Little Panda Mandarin and Drama club look forward to bringing in the year of the Snake in 2025.