Hong Kong gears up for a highly anticipated theatrical premiere tonight, Friday, November 9th, as veteran actress Mandy Wong and comedienne Harriet Yeung (Ha Tau) debut their 15-show run of the stage play, The World Is Not Without Wives: Besties. This afternoon, the leading ladies, alongside the full production cast and crew, observed a traditional blessing ceremony backstage, praying for a successful and smoothly executed run.
Wong, known primarily for dramatic television roles, expressed a noticeable lack of nerves ahead of the opening, describing her mood as relaxed and highly energized, particularly about diving back into comedy. She admitted that the rehearsal process often led to uncontrollable bouts of laughter, a challenging phenomenon she calls “being steamed alive,” especially when spontaneous improvisation occurred. Wong is now bracing herself to manage these moments during live performances.
Sisterhood Secrets Fuel Onstage Chemistry
The play, which centers on the dynamic and frequently turbulent relationship between two close friends, draws heavily on relatable experiences. Wong revealed she injected several genuine, yet undisclosed, anecdotes about the famed “Nonsense Eight” celebrity sisterhood—the close-knit circle of female friends that includes Wong herself—directly into the script.
“These are secrets from my sisters,” Wong joked. “I didn’t tell them beforehand. I believe they will see themselves reflected and feel a strong connection when they watch it. The audience can also try to guess which parts are real and which are fiction.”
In a notable departure from her usually refined public persona, Wong is embracing a challenging, expletive-laden role. She found that incorporating colorful language substantially amplified the character’s forcefulness, describing the experience as liberating. Despite battling a cold in the lead-up to the premiere, Wong assured the press that medical treatment had resolved the issue, while Yeung noted minimal, manageable cold symptoms that would not impede her performance.
Subversive Roles Promise Audience Surprises
Harriet Yeung, better known by her stage name, Ha Tau, takes on a comparatively demure character, contrasting sharply with Wong’s aggressive role, promising a dynamic clash of personalities. Yeung asserted that the production offers significant breakthroughs for the performers and will stun ticket holders.
Highlighting the physical comedy involved, Yeung shared excitement over the dramatic, high-energy fight sequences between the two female leads. Furthermore, she teased some “sacrificial” costuming choices for the male actors, humorously guaranteeing that her own performance would be even more “groundbreaking.”
Regarding the upcoming Lunar New Year film season, which sees a movie she co-stars in, Golden Treasure, competing against major releases like Dayo Wong and Sammi Cheng’s Night King, Yeung offered a balanced view. She believed both films possess unique merits that deliver different forms of entertainment, encouraging audiences to support local cinema across the board.
Defending Personal Choices and Sisterly Support
Wong also addressed recent online discussions concerning fellow “Nonsense Eight” member Selena Lee’s reported reconciliation with her former fiancé, which drew some critical comments online questioning her romantic judgment.
Wong acknowledged that her focus on play preparations has limited recent group gatherings. She staunchly defended Lee’s privacy and independence. “Our sisters have the freedom to love whoever they choose,” Wong stated. “When we meet, we rarely discuss our relationships. The most crucial thing is that they are happy. We always offer each other unconditional support.”
The stage drama is set to deliver a healthy dose of humor, deep friendship dynamics, and unscripted surprises, promising a memorable run for theatre enthusiasts across the city.
