Actor applauds Chinese hospitality

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.