Before becoming a “new face” on the UK fringe theatre scene, Yuke Cao has accumulated many years of rich stage experience in China. One of her earliest original works, Someone: Evelyn’s Story, was created in collaboration with British-Asian writer & composer Ivan Matsumoto. After several preview performances in Shanghai (2021), Yuke brought the project to London, where she independently staged a fully developed version at London George Wood Theatre (2023).
The production sold out its three performances and quickly gained an early following.
“Stepping into the role of a musical theatre producer is absolutely the most worthwhile decision I’ve ever made. I never regret the energy and effort I’ve poured into this identity.”
Yuke recalls how Someone became her first full-scale test as a producer — from budgeting, casting, and auditions, to assembling the creative team, overseeing rehearsals, leading marketing campaigns, managing ticketing, and even post-show audience engagement.
“I realised musical theatre isn’t just about the 90 minutes on stage. It’s a long, complex, and highly collaborative production system.”
Miracle the Musical (2025): An Immersive Adventure
Yuke’s most recent highlight came with Miracle the Musical in 2025, where she served as Lead Producer. Alongside director Jasmin Li, she guided an 18-person team from brainstorming to staging at both the Camden Fringe (The Cockpit Theatre, London) and the Edinburgh Fringe (Leith Arches).
This was a bold experiment in immersive small-theatre production: live band, audience interaction, and hand-held lighting effects that turned Leith Arches into a magical space within just two days of setup.
The show quickly developed a loyal community, including over 20 “Miracle superfans” who attended multiple performances and shared reviews across social media.
“When audiences are willing to follow your show from one performance to another — that’s the greatest validation a producer can receive,” Yuke says.
A Cross-Disciplinary and Cross-Border Perspective
Unlike many small-theatre producers, Yuke’s career spans musical theatre and large-scale live concerts. In the UK, she has collaborated with major entertainment companies on the coordination and promotion of Asian music in Europe. She also worked on promotional projects with Irish musician Cian Ducrot, extending her impact into digital campaigns.
At the same time, Yuke is also an award-winning composer: she received First Prize at the Vienna International Art Talent Competition (2025), and her music is available globally on Amazon Music, Apple Music, and YouTube Music.
In 2025, she further expanded her reach by exhibiting work at Espacio Gallery (London), which was featured in Aesthetica Magazine — demonstrating her ability to bridge musical theatre with visual arts.
Looking Ahead: From the UK to the World
Yuke is currently preparing revival and international tour of Miracle across the UK, Europe, and China in the future, alongside creating new original music and pursuing collaborations with international festivals and production companies.
“My goal is not just to bring productions to the stage, but to use musical theatre as a vehicle for cultural exchange between China and the UK. Theatre is a universal language — it allows audiences from any background to find emotional connection.”
Conclusion
As a young female producer, Yuke Cao has already made the leap from independent experimental projects to Fringe musicals, while also gaining experience in international concerts and cross-media art. Her trajectory showcases both her professional capacity and the global potential of musical theatre.
Looking forward, she aims to continue building bridges — and to bring more “miracles” to audiences worldwide.
