WYCOMBE, UK—Paul Churchouse, a retired music teacher, was impressed by Shen Yun Performing Arts at the Wycombe Swan Theatre in Buckinghamshire, England, on Feb. 21, 2026.
“I’m full of admiration,” he said. “They’re all of a very high standard … it’s extremely professional and [they’re] extremely lithe dancers.”
“It’s lovely … the use of Chinese instruments. [It] helps to tell the story,” Mr. Churchouse said.
“The soloist that came on with the pianist … wonderful singing, very powerful voice, and telling a wonderful story,” Mr. Churchouse said.
Though the songs are sung in Chinese, the text is translated into English on the animated backdrop.
“It was a spiritual story … and it chimed with what I personally believe,” Mr. Churchouse added. “There’s talk of Heaven and the divine.”
China was once known as “The Land of the Divine,” and Shen Yun presents this culture by drawing upon the Middle Kingdom’s Buddhist and Daoist philosophies. According to the company’s website, the presented heroes embody the most exalted virtues of Chinese civilization and convey universal morals still relevant in the modern day. As such, Shen Yun is often commended for its spiritually uplifting messages.
“There’s a sense of purity and getting back to basic values … of decency to one another and respect to one another,” Mr. Churchouse said. “I like it for that reason.”
To the performers, Mr. Churchouse said, “Well done and keep up your high standards.” He said he looks forward to seeing Shen Yun again and bringing his granddaughter.
“I think everybody’s very much enjoying it, and the theater is full tonight, so that tells its own story,” he added.
