I am a bilingual (English and Chinese) actor, writer and clown from Hong Kong, currently based in the UK. I work across continents, writing and performing in theatres and films. I am experienced in devising, physical theatre and comedy.
My work often explores lived experience within a social-political context. I tell stories through the lens of obscene or outcasted characters, using humour to provoke, confront and seek for hope with the audience.
I am Isabella (she/her)
A Bouffon Play About Hong Kong
Photos by Chris Payne Images
Laughter helps freedom.
識笑即係無嘢啦！
It's been a long time coming, and it still feels like a dream come true. I began writing this play in 2019 when I was surrounded by clowns and absurdity - being the only HongKonger studying at École Philippe Gaulier at the time, my way of fighting for freedom with the people of Hong Kong was by writing this play. Fast forward to 2023, after submitting the play to varies award schemes, and getting to be one of the finalists for The Women's Prize for Playwriting 2021, A BOUFFON PLAY ABOUT HONG KONG finally got to meet a live audience! As a debut playwright, I also took on the roles of director and performer. Thanks to the support by Papergang Theatre, HOME Talent Development and Arts Council England who helped me bring my vision to life. Also, a heartfelt thank you to the creative team and cast who came together like a family, pulled their fingers out and made this show come true. I have never been prouder. ANDDDD this is only the beginning. Contact bouffonplay.hk@gmail.com to support the show and watch this space for updates!
Press
'Crushing insecurity': Hong Kong theatremakers on starting anew in the UK.
The Stage, 13 February 2023
Manchester Evening News, 13 February 2023
"Leung delivers an accomplished and assured performance, perfectly capturing Ching's arrogance, and she is utterly devastating in her sorrow at a key moment in the show."
★★★★ The Understudy on A Game Not Lost, 07 March 2023
https://www.theunderstudy.co.uk/2023/03/review-game-not-lost-pit-vault-festival.html
"It’s here that Isabella Leung’s phenomenal Romeo first shines. Leung inhabits all the speaking verse with clarity but pitched way beyond that to extremes when it matters and a rubato of softer chidings and repertoire of banter with Mercutio when not suffering. But – and this is crucial – Leung reaches the highest points of lyricism speaking love-sonnets to Ridewood, and at the same time can explode howling in her later “Then I defy you stars” and in a growl of rage both to Tybalt and later, Paris. She outshines in this and her headlong, lyrical disastering all recent Romeos I’ve seen."
Fringe Review on Romeo and Juliet, 28 August 2023
https://fringereview.co.uk/review/brighton-year-round/2023/romeo-and-juliet-9/
