STOKE-ON-TRENT, UK —On the afternoon of Feb. 18, Steve Watkins, Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, attended Shen Yun Performing Arts’ second performance at the Regent Theatre in Stoke-on-Trent, UK. At the conclusion of the performance, he presented the company with a special Lord Mayor’s Recognition Certificate in honor of its outstanding contribution to the city’s cultural life.

“The most amazing show!” Mr. Watkins exclaimed. “I haven’t seen something like this in the theater for quite a while. So many people were completely engaged in what they were watching. It’s so colourful, so vibrant, so ambitious.”

Reflecting on the experience, Mr. Watkins described it as both inspiring and educational, and he warmly welcomed the company’s return to his city. “As the Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, we’re so pleased to have this fantastic company here, and we look forward to seeing them again.”

The spiritual and moral themes presented in the performance resonated strongly with Mr. Watkins, who regards them as universal values.

“What we talk about in this country as British values, you’ll find they’re everybody’s values,” he said. “They are wonderful starting points. Having a moral compass is what we’re really talking about, and I think that shows through in the ambitions of the show. It’s fantastic.”

“Fantastic,” he said. “To see that blending of traditional instruments with what could be seen as modern orchestral instruments is wonderful. It works seamlessly. It works so well.”

He was especially intrigued by the two-stringed instrument featured during the performance.“I was intrigued by the two-string instrument they played—I’ve forgotten the name—but it’s beautiful, absolutely beautiful.”

“I would just compliment them on their amazing hard work that underpins these shows,” he said. “Wonderful performances, exhilarating performances. Please, please, keep going and keep doing what you do and educating the world. It’s wonderful. Thank you!”