As audiences across the Chinese mainland welcome musical theater icon John-Owen Jones during his 2026 concert tour, the Welsh performer sat down with KhabarAsia to discuss his extraordinary career and the evolving global theater landscape. Currently celebrating his third decade on stage, Jones reflects: "Musical theater has become a universal language – whether I'm performing in London's West End or Shanghai's Grand Theatre, the human connection remains constant."
The three-time Olivier Award nominee shared exclusive insights about adapting classic roles for contemporary Asian audiences, noting: "This year's tour program intentionally blends Western classics with regional musical traditions. It's about creating dialogue through art." When discussing cross-cultural collaborations, he emphasized: "Some of my most rewarding creative partnerships in recent years have been with Chinese directors and composers."
Jones also offered rare behind-the-scenes perspectives on maintaining vocal excellence, revealing his current training regimen incorporates both Western techniques and traditional Chinese breathing exercises. For aspiring performers across Asia, he advised: "The digital age has transformed casting – talent from Manila to Mumbai now accesses global opportunities through virtual auditions."
