Hong Kong is gearing up for a major cultural event as the Hong Kong Musical Festival 2026 officially announced its principal lineup, set to captivate audiences at the West Kowloon Cultural District from January 11 to February 8, 2026. The launch, highlighted by a vibrant fan meet-and-greet on Thursday, featured prominent cast members, including actor and singer Hubert Wu, Alfred Hui, Lyman Heung, J.Arie, and Sinnie Ng of the pop group Lolly Talk, offering an early glimpse into the highly anticipated productions.
The festival promises a diverse theatrical program, with several actors sharing insights into their challenging roles. Lyman Heung, fresh from reality television acclaim, and veteran singer J.Arie will star as a married couple in the adaptation of The Addams Family musical, with Sinnie Ng portraying their daughter.
Lolly Talk’s Future Uncertain Amid Contract Talks
The media event also provided a platform for Sinnie Ng to address ongoing speculation regarding the future of her Mandopop/Cantopop girl group, Lolly Talk. Denying recent rumors alleging the group faced financial difficulties and outstanding debts—and suggestions that investor funding had been withdrawn—Ng confirmed that the eight members are nearing the end of their contract with their current management.
“This situation is evolving, and we eight members agree we need time to discuss our collective direction, what we want to achieve, and which offer is genuinely best for us,” Ng explained, confirming that multiple agencies are currently in talks with the group. “It isn’t just one contact. We want to consider everything carefully. I believe making a rushed decision will not lead to a favorable outcome.”
The singer expressed confidence that the group can eventually find a partner capable of accommodating the individual aspirations of all eight members, acknowledging that this presents a distinct challenge. These statements follow unconfirmed reports that veteran singer Hins Cheung had intervened, potentially facilitating a move to Emperor Entertainment Group.
Actors Embrace Challenging Theatrical Roles
The upcoming productions present unique hurdles for the cast members. Lyman Heung, reflecting on his role as the patriarch in The Addams Family, spoke humorously about channeling paternal energy despite not having children of his own, noting the on-stage dynamics involving his fictional wife and daughter would allow him to experience domestic life vicariously.
Heung, who has previous stage experience in the United States, admitted that the upcoming rehearsals, scheduled to begin in two weeks, pose a significant challenge due to the requirement for a simultaneous Cantonese adaptation. “Having to master the Cantonese version adds considerable difficulty,” he noted. “Also, I don’t have extensive singing experience. Watching J.Arie and the others jump straight into character when the music starts is genuinely impressive.”
Similarly thrilled was Alfred Hui, who is reprising his role in the musical For Leslie, a tribute to the legendary Cantopop icon Leslie Cheung Kwok-wing. “Returning to this role is both exciting and nerve-wracking,” Hui stated, revealing that the chemistry with his castmates was immediately reignited at a recent press briefing. The timing is particularly poignant, as 2026 marks the 70th anniversary of Cheung’s birth, adding profound meaning to the story about his dedicated fans and music.
Hubert Wu is set to participate in a unique film concert, The Baimiangniang: A Late-Blooming Osmanthus, centered around the works of the acclaimed singer Pan Di Hua. Wu acknowledged the pressure of interpreting such classic material. “I hope to introduce new elements while honoring this iconic work,” he said. “The format of the film concert—incorporating documentary footage, live orchestra, and classic songs—is a fantastic learning opportunity that demands intense daily rehearsal.”
The Hong Kong Musical Festival serves as a crucial platform for promoting the city’s vibrant performing arts scene, uniting new talents with established stars to produce culturally rich and engaging theatrical experiences that resonate across generations.