09/02/2026
Richmond’s Little Panda Mandarin and Drama school welcome the year of the horse 马
On Sunday 8th Feb a wonderful gala performance, by the Little Panda Mandarin students took place at East Sheen’s Tower House school hall.
Chinese dragon and lion dances, Mandarin songs, beautiful ‘Silk Road’ and ‘Moonlight’ dances and Chinese poetry recitals were warmly applauded.
The Little Panda drama students performed Horse themed scenes and speeches, including a moving speech from War Horse and a hilarious five minute version of The Trojan Horse.
The charming mixture of performers ranged from the younger children, coming from local primary school’s and older students who have been members of the club for more than 10 years and are about to go off to University.
This annual event was attended by the deputy Mayor of Richmond Clare Vollum , Chinese embassy culture representatives about 200 local people.
The celebrations were hosted by Head of Little Panda Mandarin and Drama school Xiaoyu Shi and local actor -co-head Max Gold.
At the finale of the event, members of the audience too to the stage alongside 3 Skilled Chinese dancers; followed by a rendition of a happy new year song, performed in mandarin by the younger children, dressed as the 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac.
The delightful performance was followed by a Raffle, with prizes genreously donated by local businesses. Special thanks go to Lady Gui Fang Deng ‘ ,China UK culture exchange & international women’s association.
Many guests staid on to socialise over a delicious Chinese banquet.
We look forward to Little Panda school bringing in the year of the sheep in 2027.
