One of China's most ancient and mystical stories, Xuanzang's Pilgrimage, OPENS this evening in London. It's being hailed as a musical drama of epic scale, with 24 musicians performing on stage, supported by an 80-piece traditional Chinese orchestra. Xuanzang's Pilgrimage tells the tale of a seventh century Monk who makes a Westward journey in search of the roots of Buddhism. As Richard Bestic reports from London, the cast of the London production is USING an array of 21st century stage tricks to bring the story back to life.

In the heart of London some of the cast of Xuanzang's Pilgrimage play at being tourists. Music though never far from their side. They have the double challenge of bringing this 16th-century epic to the stage both as musicians and actors. Ancient it may be, but Ding Xiao Kui here, who plays the travelling monk Xuanzang as a young man, says the production uses all the latest stage techniques.

DING XIAOKUI, ACTOR XUANZANG'S PILGRIMAGE "Our story of Xuanzang's Pilgrimage not only has a dramatic storyline, but also magnificent multi-media stage production and beautiful classical Chinese music. All these elements come together for a fantastic show."

Xuanzang's Pilgrimage is a new production of what's claimed to be the world's first musical drama and is extraordinary in its scale.

It tells of the young Monk Xuanzang's journey from China to India in the seventh century, a 17-year trip seeking out the roots of Buddhism.

One of the four great classical novels of Chinese literature, it was written in the 16th century and best known in the West to generations of schoolchildren as Monkey Magic.

The show's promoters in London confident the show's blend of Chinese music and drama will win over audiences in London, who'll recognize the basic themes.

SEBASTIAN MERRICK PUI ENTERTAINMENT "It's about travelling, about meeting your neighbors. about how you deal with difficulties along the way, when you try something new, when you get out of your comfort zone. It's about living your dream as well. You know, having a goal and trying to reach it. And I think it should inspire us to face our challenges. Definitely."

The dream is very much part of this new production, a mix of intricate costumes and stunning scenography. It's message universal, according to the cast.

MENG XIAO PIPA PLAYER "In all cultures music connects to people in the same way. Xuanzang's Pilgrimage shows mainly shows that through hard work he brought back the Buddhist scriptures. And we too need to work hard here in Britain to make the show a success."

An ancient tale then with a 21st-century twist. RB CGTN London.