Today we are talking to Susu about a show that is coming to Theatro Technis, Mornington Crescent London between the dates of the 27th-29th October. The Night Before Wedding Day is a dark comedy that is focussed around a bride, a secret and a family bound by rules. Today we find out all about it.
Hello! Tell us about yourself?
I’m Susu, a Chinese gay actor, writer, and director based in London. In China, LGBTQ+ themes were censored and could not be openly represented in film or theatre. When I moved to London, I became determined to give voice to silenced stories, especially those of Chinese people whose experiences are often ignored or erased.
I trained in Acting & Performance at the University of the Arts London. My creative work explores identity, family, and the conflicts between East and West. Beyond the stage, I also connect with audiences through Chinese social media, where I have over seven million followers. I believe I have an invaluable platform for bringing forward projects that might otherwise never find space.
Tell us a bit about the show The Night Before The Wedding Day?
This is an interactive play in which the audience becomes part of the wedding itself. The story follows a Chinese bride who, on the night before her wedding, discovers that her fiancé once had a romantic relationship with her younger brother.
Though dramatic, the premise is rooted in lived realities. Beneath the scandal lies the weight of Chinese patriarchy: for many women, marriage is seen as the only “escape” from parental control; LGBTQ+ children are often rendered invisible; and bisexuality remains barely acknowledged. The wedding, usually a symbol of love and unity, becomes a battlefield of secrets, shame, and ultimately, liberation.
What can you tell us about the stage set?
On performance days, both the inside and outside of the theatre will be transformed into a wedding venue. Guests will be welcomed by “bridesmaids” and “groomsmen”, receive wedding favours, and enjoy a photo area—just like at a real wedding.
On stage, the set adapts with the story: at times detailed with furniture or a decorated wedding hall, and at other times pared back so that light and sound carry the atmosphere. This play between fullness and minimalism mirrors the emotional arcs of the characters.
Tell us a little bit about the rest of the cast?
We are fortunate to have a diverse and talented ensemble:
- Marian Lee (she/her) as Susie, the bride – London-based Chinese actor, RCSSD BA Acting CDT graduate (My Neighbour Totoro, RSC Barbican; Best Female Actor, Screen Power Film Festival 2022).
- Alun Qiu (he/him) as Lynn, the brother – London-based Chinese actor, RCS BA Acting graduate (Love’s Labour’s Lost, Prague Shakespeare Co.; BBC Scotland).
- Sonny Mihajlovic (he/him) as Craig, the groom – London-based British actor, Oxford Brookes BA Drama/Film graduate (As You Like It, What You Will Theatre; Princess Pea, dir. Lea Otovic).
- Georgia Louise Langley (she/her) as Julie, the friend – London-based British actor, UAL BA Acting & Performance graduate (Jane Eyre, dir. Jessica Mensah).
- Yiqian Shao (she/her) as Dark Susie – London-based Chinese actor, Leeds Conservatoire MA Musical Theatre graduate (Instant Luv Noodles, The Other Palace; Out of Character, The Space Edinburgh; Caged Sisters Musical, Phoenix Arts Club & Bridewell Theatre).
Behind the scenes:
- Susu – Writer & Director, UAL graduate, with ten years’ experience in the Chinese film industry.
- Wei Shuai – Producer, UAL graduate, internationally recognised director/producer.
- Jinmeng Hu – Executive Producer, UAL graduate, bridging stage production with marketing and digital innovation.
- Judy Barrington-Smuts – Movement Director, performer and facilitator with over 17 years’ experience in street theatre and immersive performance.
Together, the team brings global perspectives and profound cultural conversations to a London stage.
What is the most challenging thing about doing the show?
The greatest challenge lies in conveying each character’s struggles in a way that resonates with audiences. This is not simply a family drama. It is a specific story about women and LGBTQ+ children growing up under traditional Chinese patriarchy. Their realities differ vastly from what Western audiences might assume through their own cultural lens.
Our task is to make audiences see, through the actors’ eyes, the silence and pain these characters endure. That demands precision and delicacy, balancing emotional truth with theatrical form.
The best thing about touring the show?
We premiere in London this October, and next summer we will take the play to China. Touring allows us to give voice to shared struggles across borders. In London, audiences may view it as an East Asian story; in China, it becomes deeply personal—and far riskier.
The power of touring is in crossing cultures while still making people feel seen. Each performance grows as audiences bring their own histories into the story.
What have been some of the best highlights since doing the show?
One of the most unforgettable moments was announcing that we would bring the play to China next summer. Within a single day, 500 tickets were sold. That overwhelming response revealed how many people long to see their own stories represented on stage.
Despite the heavy restrictions on such topics in China, we are determined to make it happen. For many, this play is not just theatre, it is recognition, proof that their stories matter and deserve to be told.
What is the best reaction you have had from an audience member?
Although we have not yet opened to the public, we have invited fellow actors and friends to our rehearsals. The most striking feedback was: “I never realised Chinese women have to face such impossible choices.”
That was the best reaction we could hope for. It meant they had glimpsed a hidden struggle, and that is precisely why this play exists.
If people want to follow you on social media where can they find you?
You can find me on Instagram at @heysusu705, and follow our official show account at @tnbtwd2025.
Finally, in three words why should people come to your show?
Fear · Desire · Escape
Welcome to The Phoenix Remix 