“It is particularly marvelous to see old Liyuan buildings in historical blocks that used to be tranquil have turned into a happy place for gathering.” Zhang Wen, a citizen in Qingdao, will have her annual expectation fulfilled before long. The third Qingdao Liyuan Comedy Festival will be held as scheduled from September 19 to 28.

As an annual event with a marked influence in the circle of Chinese comedies, the latest comedy festival will cover 26 kinds of comedy performances, including talk shows, impromptu comedies, stage plays, Manzai comedies and dumb shows, and new teams and performances will comprise as high as 80%. All leading Chinese comedy brands such as Mahua Fun Age, Danliren Comedy, Huishuoxiao Comedy and Xiao Guo Culture Media will attend the event. Qingdao-based teams, including Geli Comedy and Huixiao Comedy will also make their appearance. The Paul Nani Troupe from Denmark and Loading Zone Comedy from Australia will put on international-class comic performances.

A total of 81 performances will be staged during this year’s comedy festival. They will include not only conventional theatre performances, but also a variety of other activities such as blind box performances, themed parades, film exhibitions, music parties and comedy workshops.