A SPECTACULAR action show direct from the Land of the Crouching Tiger and Hidden Dragon is on its way to Hereford Leisure Centre as part of a tour of 27 cities and towns in England and Wales.

Fist of the Dragon is an incredible display by the modern-day masters of Wushu-Chinese Martial Arts and arrives in Hereford on Saturday, November 17.

Stretching limits

The large company of 30 artistes including musicians and Peking Opera performers stretch the physical limits of human achievement in the production which combines for the first time the ancient disciplines of Kung Fu and Qi Gong. This is a breathtaking martial arts display of grace, elegance, movement, physical aggression and drama.

Created by Phillip Gandey, producer of the legendary Chinese State Circus, the show give British audiences the opportunity to see live something that until now has only been available on video, or in the cinema.

Accomplished

Fist of the Dragon comes straight from China's northern Jilin Province and features some of the most amazing artistes ever to visit Britain. Not simply accomplished performers, they are amongst China's most respected exponents of their martial arts disciplines - latter day warriors whose bodies and minds are tuned to perfection.

No quarter is asked or given as the warriors - male and female - confront each other with a series of weapons ranging from swords to poles and staves to spears. A stunningly choreographed succession of 'fights' leaves the audience on the edge of their seats and gasping for more!

In a remarkable display of mind over matter, the masters of Qi Gong demonstrate their ability to block out pain as with almost super-human strength they withstand blocks of granite being smashed by a sledgehammer on bared chests. Qi Gong demands total concentration to achieve the complete focus of mind required for such incredible feats. It goes without saying - don't try this at home!

The production also features extracts from Peking Opera, a uniquely Chinese entertainment where extravagant characters in extravagant costumes combine comedy, drama, music and martial arts skills.

No celebration of Chinese culture would be complete without the vibrant Lion Dance and for added good fortune the company perform the exciting Dragon Dance too!

For ticket details call the Hereford Leisure Centre on 01432 278178.