The Knockout is a Chinese original musical adapted from the hit crime drama of the same name. Set across two decades, it follows the intertwined destinies of a former fish vendor turned crime boss and a police officer determined to stop him.

About the Show

Set against the backdrop of a small southern Chinese city at the turn of the millennium, The Knockout traces the rise and fall of Gao Qiqiang, a once-humiliated fish vendor whose life changes after forming an unexpected friendship with young police officer An Xin. What begins as mutual trust gradually unravels as ambition, power, and moral conflict take hold.

As the years pass, Gao Qiqiang becomes the leader of a powerful criminal organization, while An Xin remains committed to his duty as a police officer. The musical charts their diverging paths, exploring how time, desire, and unresolved bonds reshape personal choices and destinies.

Creative Team

The Knockout is produced by Shanghai West Bund Grand Theater Management Co., Ltd., Shanghai Ruiyi Investment Management Co., Ltd., Beijing Burning Entertainment, Liubai Pictures, and iQIYI.

The production is directed by Gao Ruijia, with a script and lyrics by Li Jinwei. Music is composed, arranged, and musically directed by Hu Shui, who also serves as lyricist. Choreography is by Jang Eun-sook, with set design by Li Ao, lighting design by Li Bowen, and costume and styling design by Yuan Churui and Yu Hongmei.

Main Cast

• Zheng Qiyuan
• Liu Lingfei
• Jiang Lai
• Gao Yuchen
• Guo Jiaxuan
• Wang Rui
• Ding Zhengying
• Wu Ziyue

Why Go

This production presents a large-scale Chinese original musical rooted in contemporary social storytelling. With an extensive creative team and a narrative spanning twenty years, it offers audiences a theatrical adaptation of a well-known story through music, drama, and stagecraft.