Shanghai has unveiled its 2024 edition of the annual list of 100 new spaces for live performing arts, with 17 venues from last year's list being replaced by fresh, exciting locations.

These new spaces include unconventional venues like cafes, bookshops, and malls, offering a unique setting for live performances, including stand-up comedy and improvisational drama, breaking away from the confines of traditional theaters.

Let's take a closer look at five of these 17 new venues.

Star Space at Shanghai Shimao Festival City

Address: 7F-8F, No 829 East Nanjing Road, Huangpu district

Shanghai Shimao Festival City. [Photo/WeChat account: shhuangpu]

In September 2023, the immersive theater brand "Star Space" was unveiled on the 7th and 8th floors of Shanghai Shimao Festival City.

Covering a total area of approximately 4,000 square meters, it is divided into several smaller theaters, each ranging from 200 to 300 sq m. Most of the performances here are suspense and mystery stage plays.

Star Space. [Photo/Star Space]

Long-term performances include Hollow Cross, Salvation of a Saint, Newcomer, The Street at Dawn, Nonexistent Conversation, and The Solitary Gourmet: Spoon of Love.

INS Comedy

Address: B1-1, INS Fuxing Park, No 109 Yandang Road, Huangpu district

INS Fuxing Park. [Photo/INS Fuxing Park]

INS Comedy is located on level B1-1 of INS Fuxing Park, a six-story building situated in the century-old Fuxing Park. "INS" stands for "Into Nothing Serious".

INS Comedy. [Photo/INS Comedy]

The venue hosts a variety of performance styles. Besides stand-up comedy, it features modern crosstalk, sketch comedy, magic comedy, and improv comedy. The open space, with its two-story high ceilings, includes rest areas, private rooms, and scattered seating.

New Space of Laugh Union (Xiao Le Hui)

Address: B1, the Bund NEO, No 399 Renmin Road, Huangpu district

Guo Degang (front left), a renowned Chinese traditional crosstalk comedian, is pictured onstage at New Space of Laugh Union (Xiao Le Hui). [Photo/New Space of Laugh Union (Xiao Le Hui)]

If you find watching a performance and immersing yourself in a story a bit tiring, you might prefer the conversational charm of crosstalk. In that case, you can relax and enjoy a good laugh at the New Space of Laugh Union (Xiao Le Hui). Founded by Gao Hecai, a disciple of Guo Degang, a popular Chinese traditional crosstalk comedian, this venue offers a refreshing comedic experience.

Space I of Mahua FunAge

Address: City Mart, B1, Hopson One, No 1099 Xiangyin Road, Yangpu district

Space I of Mahua FunAge is located at City Mart. [Photo/Space I of Mahua FunAge]

Space I of Mahua FunAge is tailored to young audiences, showcasing lighthearted and humorous love stories. Currently, they are performing Love Begins imported from South Korea. This production not only creates a romantic and sweet atmosphere but also features multi-functional characters that interact with the audience, enriching the viewing experience.

A scene from Love Begins. [Photo/Space I of Mahua FunAge]

Phase Live House Shanghai

Address: 3F, Financial Street Shopping Center, No 1683 Zhongxing Road, Jing'an district

A performance at Phase Live House Shanghai. [Photo/Phase Livehouse Shanghai]

Phase Live House Shanghai, spanning nearly 3,000 sq m, boasts a versatile stage equipped with professional-grade bands, singers, and sound systems, offering both auditory and visual delights. More than just a performance venue, it strives to create an immersive space where warmth, emotion, and interaction come together to enrich the experience.

Sources: Venues mentioned, "shhuangpu" WeChat account