Hong Kong – A cast of familiar faces from Hong Kong’s film and music scene gathered Monday for the launch of the upcoming stage play “Ghost to the End,” bringing together veteran actress Sonija Kwok, rising star Shek Yin (Day), and actor Ansonbean, among others, for a bus parade and press conference.
The production, which blends school settings with supernatural horror, marks a significant milestone for Kwok, who returns to the stage after a 20-year hiatus. The 52-year-old former Miss Hong Kong winner revealed she has been rigorously training to reach peak physical condition, shedding excess weight and regaining her confidence. “Fans sent me a photo frame comparing my Miss Hong Kong victory picture with a recent shot, and I realized I look fitter and more beautiful now,” Kwok said. “Maybe it’s because I’m a mother—I feel softer and calmer. Back then, I was so driven.”
Kwok recently celebrated her birthday with a trip to the Maldives with her daughter, where they took swimsuit photos of each other. She described their relationship as “like sisters,” noting that her daughter keeps up with trends and even shares makeup with her. “She’s interested in the entertainment industry, but it’s too early to say. If she wants to pursue it later, I’ll support her,” Kwok added, joking that she is saving the swimsuit photos as “ammunition” for a future reveal.
Regarding persistent rumors of a marital rift with her husband, director Zhu Shaojie, Kwok dismissed the speculation with a laugh. “It’s been going on since I got married—over a decade now. My daughter is already this big. I don’t need to answer that.”
The cast also shared eerie experiences tied to the production. Kwok and co-star Tam Sin Yin (Tam) noted that crew members warned them about supernatural incidents occurring during annual performances. “It gave us a moment of pause,” Kwok admitted, “but we decided to push through the psychological barrier.”
Tam recalled a harrowing encounter while filming the movie “Weeds on Fire” in Taiwan. “I was resting in my hotel room when I heard a woman’s voice whispering in my ear. At first, I thought it was the air conditioner, but the staff changed my room and even had a group of guys walk around the room to boost the yang energy.”
Newcomers Embrace the Challenge
For Day, a member of the popular girl group COLLAR, and actor Ansonbean, this marks their stage debut, bringing a mix of nerves and excitement. “The play has both school and horror elements, which suits me perfectly,” Day said. “But I need to learn from the seniors how to control my emotions and manage my energy.”
Ansonbean, who views the role as a major challenge, is grateful for the chance to hone his craft under director Chu Pak Him. “Some days we have two performances, and you can’t NG (re-shoot) on stage. It’s tough, so I have to focus on rest and a balanced diet,” he explained.
Day also shared a lighthearted moment from a recent trip to Japan with her COLLAR bandmates, where they filmed five music videos. Despite a tight schedule, the group managed to squeeze in shopping and a hot spring visit. “We saw each other in the buff,” she laughed. “I thought we would compare figures, but the atmosphere was so relaxing, we just chatted and forgot about everything else.”
Broader Impact and Next Steps
“Ghost to the End” is expected to draw audiences with its unique blend of nostalgia, horror, and comedy, tapping into Hong Kong’s enduring fascination with supernatural themes. As the cast prepares for the run, the production highlights a growing trend of established stars returning to the stage, while also serving as a springboard for younger talent. With a mix of seasoned performers and fresh faces, the play promises to be a memorable addition to Hong Kong’s cultural calendar.
