Review: The Ballad of Mulan

Friday 11th September 2026 at York Theatre Royal

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Many have heard of Disney’s Mulan, but far fewer know much of the warrior who inspired the tale. This show, starring Michelle Yim, dives into the extraordinary story of that extraordinary woman who left home without a whisper, disguised herself as a man and became a fierce force to be reckoned with while fighting for the Chinese Empire.

And the story here isn’t nearly so tame as a Disney take, obviously; Yim strikes an impressive balance between the softness of family recollections and thoughts of a future after army life and the brutal monologues in battle, vividly painting pictures of her bravery and necessary brutality when facing enemy forces.

 The script itself weaves the story with both blunt facts and more lyrical moments in which this warrior faces an impending reality of returning to civilian life after ten years living as a man. Both sides of this woman are powerful forces on stage, and Yim doesn’t waver in her energised performance, mapping out for us the defining moments of an audacious life.

The Ballad of Mulan is a welcome addition to the world of spotlighting extraordinary women in history – it’s a neat 60 minute performance which doesn’t short-change the story told, and Yim is a thoroughly engaging storyteller. 

The Ballad of Mulan is at York Theatre Royal until 12th September 2026 – more information and tickets can be found here.