In recent years, comedian Donnie Fan has made a significant impact in the comedy and theater landscape of Beijing. He co-founded the Comedy Citadel, has undertaken numerous comedy tours across China and internationally, and has written and directed two plays. This dynamic performer shows no signs of slowing down, and 2025 seems to be shaping up to be just as exciting. He is organizing a new filmed comedy special titled Where Are You From, scheduled for April 25, and has another play in development. We spoke with Fan to learn more about the thrilling projects he has lined up for 2025.
It’s been a while since we last checked in on you! What have you been doing over the past year? 2024 was quite a remarkable year! I had just completed my last world tour while Comedy Citadel was still establishing itself. We finally secured a permanent location, marking a significant achievement. My original play, The Heart Collector, concluded a successful three-month run, I toured Southeast Asia for comedy, and directed various children’s theater performances. It was a year filled with creative satisfaction and personal milestones I had long been pursuing.
You have a new filmed comedy special coming up this month – can you share more details about it? This is a major project. We had previously recorded a special for a prominent online platform (which I can’t reveal just yet), but due to the evolving comedy landscape over the past few years, that initiative was put on hold. With the growth of our comics, we recently reconnected with the platform – instead of reviving the original idea, we decided to create something entirely fresh. This special will provide us with the opportunity to present the remarkable talent emerging from mainland China to a global audience. We’re bringing our very best.
How does this special differ from your past filmed comedy special? The main distinction lies in its structure. The earlier special was set up as a series of standalone headline acts. This new one is more unified – it will flow as a compact 90-minute comedy showcase, reminiscent of what you would see on Comedy Central. Comics will come on and off stage approximately every ten minutes, giving it a lively and dynamic rhythm. It’s quick, humorous, and diverse.
You’re also starting new comedy classes soon – can you provide more information about these and how people can sign up? Certainly! At Comedy Citadel, we offer quarterly eight-week boot camps aimed at helping individuals discover their comedic voice. It’s not just about crafting punchlines – it’s about grasping rhythm, vulnerability, and stage presence. The boot camp offers a supportive and energetic environment for both new and emerging comedians. Participants not only gain quick entry into the scene, but they also foster a sense of community. Comedy can feel isolating initially – but through our program, students grow and support one another both on and off stage. Those interested can contact us directly via WeChat: CHENGBAOXIJU.
You’re currently directing a new production of ART and working on your own play – can you elaborate on that? Yes! I’m directing a three-woman adaptation of Yasmina Reza’s ART, which we hope to debut in June, pending final licensing. It’s been a fantastic challenge to reinterpret a classic for a new format and cast.
Following that, I’ll be returning to the stage in a new play I’ve written, inspired by Goethe’s The Sorrows of Young Werther. This is a personal endeavor – an experimental twist on the original that intertwines my own experiences with Goethe’s emotional depth. I’m incorporating tragedy, dark comedy, and surreal moments to present something fresh and significant to our local audience.
Comedy Citadel is celebrating its third anniversary this year! How does that feel? It’s surreal. Comedy Citadel marks my first experience as a co-owner, and it’s been a thrilling journey of learning and growth. We’ve adapted to Beijing’s ever-changing entertainment scene, a constantly evolving audience, and a rotating array of talent. We’ve progressed from hosting one showcase each month to three open mics weekly and one to two major shows every weekend. The talent we’re seeing now is astounding, and 2025 is poised to be our biggest year yet.
And there are some notable names joining the lineup too, right? Absolutely – yes! Joe Wong is making a much-anticipated return to Beijing this summer, and we’re excited to host his first show at Comedy Citadel. Kavin Jay will be back in June. In May, we’re featuring a comedian-magician, Jeffrey Wang, who has appeared on Penn & Teller: Fool Us.
And the highlight – this fall, Comedy Citadel is sponsoring a tour for viral comedian and rapper Bernice Ye. Her popularity on TikTok and Instagram has soared, and we’re eager to bring her to cities across China for her first major tour. Yes, we expect even more exciting names to be added soon, so stay tuned!
The filmed comedy special
In recent years, comedian Donnie Fan has been making a significant impact in the comedy and theater scenes of Beijing.