Immersive Theatre - Shenzen, china
THE DEAL
The brief
Two and a half years in the making, The Deal is a world-first immersive experience. The jewel in the crown of a £60m placemaking project in the heart of Shenzhen, The Deal is 1920s Paris brought to life — set across six decks of the historic Ancerville Cruise Ship (Minghua), featuring a cast of 36 performers and musicians from 12 countries.
This landmark venue is home to Parisian streets, apartments, offices and a jazz bar for audiences to explore across a two-hour immersive production, created by iconic physical theatre director Amit Lahav and designed by some of the best talent in British theatre.
Won "Immersive Theatre" at the 2026 Immersive Experience Awards.
Shortlisted for "Experience of the Year (Large)" at the 2026 World Experience Awards.
Outcomes
36 from 12 countries
Performers & Musicians
6-deck cruise ship
Venue
£60m placemaking
Project
2.5 years
Development
“Speaks directly to the senses...a deeply visceral experience.”
- China Daily
“A must see – not to be missed.” Hong Kong Commercial Daily
- Hong Kong Commercial Daily
“Unbelievable, incredible!”
- Audience Reaction
Watch
Gallery
Partners & Collaborators
Presented and commissioned by China Merchant Shekou Holdings
Created and co-produced by Dream Awake with Tiny Dragon Productions
Production Team
Associate Producers - Tiny Dragon Productions
Executive Producer - Matt Runham
General Manager - Pippa Fox
Producers - Tanya Peters & Sophie Payne
Finance & Administration Officer - Emma Bell
Production & Technical Direction - The Production Family Limited (UK)
CREATIVE TEAM
Created & Directed by Amit Lahav
Production Designer - Rhys Jarman
Composer & Musical Director - Michael Crean
Associate Director - Chris Evans
Lighting Designer - Chris Swain
Sound Designer - Thor McIntyre-Burnie
Costume Designer - Kat Heath
Photography - Ding Xiao
CREATIVE ASSOCIATES
Assistant Director & Resident Director - Andres Velasquez
Audience Experience Director - Pipi Kao
Associate Designer - Verity Sadler
Design Associate - Bao-Yi Liang
Associate Costume Designer - Abby Caywood
Costume Associate & Head of Wardrobe - Suyi Chen
Associate Lighting Designers - Amy Daniels, Pablo Fernandez Baz
Associate Sound Designers - Simon McCorry, Emmet O’Donnell, Liam McDermott, Sarah Victoria
Wigs, Hair & Makeup Designer - Wang Bing
Wigs Hair & Makeup Assistant - Xu Ying