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CULTURE

CULTURE

Pike proves to be a class act

British star's visit to China and performance at the Beijing People's Art Theatre solidify her dedication to the culture and her devoted fan base, Chen Nan reports.

By Chen Nan????|????chinadaily.com.cn????|???? Updated: 2026-02-14 14:43

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At the Beijing People's Art Theatre on the night of Feb 4, the anticipation was palpable. Fans stood in long queues, some holding handmade signs, while others clutched posters they hoped to get signed. The air buzzed with excitement as the evening's star, British actress and producer Rosamund Pike, better known by her Chinese name Pei Chunhua, prepared to step onto the stage in front of an eager Chinese audience.

Her visit to China had already made headlines, from her diplomatic meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Shanghai to her performance in the National Theatre Live production Inter Alia. This was an evening that would blend her powerful stage presence with the warmth of the fans she'd come to cherish.

As the lights dimmed in the theater, the audience settled into their seats, eager to witness the iconic actress in a role unlike any she had ever played. The play, Inter Alia, written by Australian writer Suzie Miller, revolved around a female judge caught between her professional and personal lives — torn apart by an unexpected accusation against her son. As the curtain rose, Pike, in her role as Judge Jessica Parks, captivated the audience with her portrayal of strength, vulnerability, and a mother's instinct to protect her child at all costs.

Before the screening, Pike sat down with the audience and shared her profound connection to China.

Pike meets with her fans at the Beijing People's Art Theatre (top) and participates in a panel discussion about her production at the British embassy in Beijing (above) on Feb 4.[Photo by Wang Jing/China Daily]

"This is an incredible theater. I feel very lucky that my play is being screened here tonight. It makes me want to do it live for you," says the actress, sitting on the Beijing International Theater Center stage, a venue of the Beijing People's Art Theatre.

It was clear that this was more than just a work trip for her — it was deeply personal.

"My husband and I have always been fascinated by China," she says. Her husband learned Mandarin in the 1990s, and now, with two young children fluent in the language, the family is a living bridge between cultures. Pike's children, she says, embraced Mandarin effortlessly, a testament to the power of immersion.

"I'm really excited that my travels in China are so much richer because of how my kids engage with the language. They see it as a tremendous gift," she notes. This connection gives her unique access to local culture, opening doors to experiences most tourists could never imagine — from visiting schools to being invited into people's homes.

But her connection to China isn't just about personal ties. Pike's role in the production of Inter Alia is also part of a larger cultural exchange. Her play, a fierce exploration of how the law treats women, highlights the complex relationship between gender and justice, resonating with Chinese audiences who have become increasingly interested in global issues.

Yet, despite the trip's cultural richness, one of the most surprising elements of her visit was her unexpected meeting with the UK's prime minister. She recalls the moment with enthusiasm: "It was unexpected and very exciting. The prime minister wanted to discuss British culture and the cultural exchange between China and the UK. He invited me to accompany him to speak to local art students, which was a huge honor."

Pike meets with her fans at the Beijing People's Art Theatre (top) and participates in a panel discussion about her production at the British embassy in Beijing (above) on Feb 4.[Photo by Wang Jing/China Daily]

In a country that celebrates its deep-rooted artistic traditions, Pike's passion for theater found a welcoming home. The actress was candid about her experiences in the theater world, explaining how it differed from her extensive film career. "Theater is the ultimate exposure. It's just you, with all your vulnerability on stage in front of people. Everything happens right there, right then. There are no retakes," Pike says. It was this raw intensity that made her performance so special to audiences, eager to see her embrace the power of live theater after a 14-year hiatus.

Her conversation about the play Inter Alia revealed even more about her understanding of the role. Judge Jessica Parks, a woman balancing a demanding career and motherhood, is a deeply relatable character. The audience could feel her internal conflict, her struggle to uphold her professional values while protecting her son — a theme that struck a chord with the crowd.

"I love Jessica. She's human. She's chaotic, she's professional, and she's just like so many women trying to juggle it all," the actress says. Her performance, particularly a scene where her character belts out Tina Turner and Shania Twain songs during a karaoke night, provides a cathartic release for both the audience and Pike herself.

"Lawyers love karaoke. It's the perfect antidote to their precise and often stressful work," she laughs, clearly enjoying the balance between the gravity of her role and the lighter moments.

Pike meets with her fans at the Beijing People's Art Theatre (top) and participates in a panel discussion about her production at the British embassy in Beijing (above) on Feb 4.[Photo by Wang Jing/China Daily]

And yet, no conversation about Pike's time in China would be complete without addressing her desire to connect more deeply with the language and culture. She is eager to continue her studies and promises to dedicate herself to learning Mandarin, something she has long been passionate about but has never found time for. "I've promised myself that when I go back to England, I'll commit to one hour of Chinese lessons every day. Watching my children learn the language, I see how rewarding it is. I know it's going to be hard, but I'm ready for the challenge," she says.

"I think learning a language opens a whole new world," Pike adds. "It fires a completely different part of the brain. I've seen my kids thrive in ways I can only admire."

During the event in Beijing, Matt Alfred Risley, the chief digital officer of the National Theatre, also announced that the production, Inter Alia, will be screened nationwide this year, allowing more fans to enjoy it in theaters.

"We don't shoot multiple versions and edit them together. We film one performance live, happening at the moment," he says. "You are able to focus on the faces of the actors and see their expressions very closely. It's never quite the same as being there in the flesh, but I think it's the next best thing."

Pike meets with her fans at the Beijing People's Art Theatre (top) and participates in a panel discussion about her production at the British embassy in Beijing (above) on Feb 4.[Photo by Wang Jing/China Daily]

 

A scene from the National Theatre Live production Inter Alia, featuring British actress and producer Rosamund Pike, who is better known by her Chinese name Pei Chunhua in China.[Photo provided to China Daily]

 

Pike plays the leading role in her production Inter Alia, which has been screened in China.[Photo provided to China Daily]

 

 

 

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