As China Doll preps for the audition of a lifetime—playing ‘Anna May Wong’ in a biopic—she’s magically transported to the 1930s, right into the shoes of the first Hollywood East Asian starlet, a symbol she despises. Over several nights, she discovers eerie parallels in how they both navigate love, life, and identity as East Asian actors in the West.
Tell us about your show.
Don’t Call Me China Doll is a solo show that dives into East Asian stereotypes, internalized racism, and self-worth. Sounds heavy, right? But trust me, it’s a rollercoaster of laughs and tears with a hilariously self-conscious character at the helm. It’s raw, honest, and fearless, making you feel all sorts of ways about her—and maybe even about yourself!
How does it feel to be returning to the Edinburgh Fringe?
It’s both exhilarating and terrifying!!! Last year, I was behind the scenes, producing and directing a show, so being the performer this time feels very different. It feels riskier to have written and be performing all by myself. It’s also my first one-person show, so it feels like EVERYTHING is on the line. Thank goodness I have a great team to rely on. I’m so glad I can scratch the itch from last year, seeing all my brilliant friends perform and now being able to stand on that stage myself.
Can you introduce us to your creative team?
Our whole creative team is a powerhouse of East Asian talent! One of the main reasons I created this show is to showcase our community’s brilliance.
The director, Francesca Hsieh, is a theatre director, maker, and facilitator. Her recent work includes I’m Sorry I’m not Lucy Liu at Camden People’s Theatre and assisting on major productions like A Play for the Living in a Time of Extinction at Headlong/Barbican.
Our sound designer, WAWA, is an electronic music artist based in London whose latest single Soul was featured on BBC Radio 1. Ang (ShuAng Yeh), a London-based lighting designer whose works span across stage performances, immersive experience, and interactive installation.
Set designers Huazheng Qi and Xinran Lu, based in Beijing, have brought incredible vision to the project. I can’t wait for you to see what we’ve created together!
Have you got any tips for comedians going up to the festival for the first time?
Keep a healthy mindset about each performance. It sounds cliché, but once the show opens, focus on doing it for yourself and the audience present.
Audience numbers can fluctuate wildly, so don’t let that affect your spirit. Building relationships and enjoying yourself is more important than selling out a show.
Ideally, we’d love to do both, but remember that ticket sales don’t necessarily reflect the quality of your show. I made so many wonderful creative friends last year, and those relationships will carry you further in your creative journey.
Who are the funny women you would recommend seeing in Edinburgh this year?
Tegan Verheul! She’s a co-founder of WWWC, and her autobiographical solo show Chokeslam is returning to the Fringe at Assembly George Square this year. It’s one of the shows I’m most excited about! Her love of pro wrestling is truly infectious. I knew nothing about wrestling before seeing her show, but now I’m well on my way to becoming a wrestling fan.
Another show I’m looking forward to is How Dead I Am, an original devised show about a group of strangers stuck in a corner store late at night. My friend Chia-Yi Chan is a Fringe newcomer, and I’m excited to see what her group has created.
Diana Feng: Don’t Call Me China Doll is at Underbelly, Bristo Square 12.55 – 1:55pm from 31st July – 26th August (not 12th). Book tickets here.
