Stan Lee’s Lucky Man stars marvel at the fusion of East and West cultures in Hong Kong
THE stars of Stan Lee’s Lucky Man are feeling pretty . . . fortunate.
Actors James Nesbitt and Rupert Penry-Jones are being paid to hang out in Hong Kong. And boy, are they making the most of it.
Rupert says: “It’s a great country and I’ve been fortunate to time to wander around and see the sights.
“We’re all staying at the same hotel and there are some great bars here, and one thing leads to another. We’re all drinking quite a lot. You’ve got to work hard and play hard!”
James plays Harry Clayton in the Sky1 show which is based on characters created by Marvel Comics legend Lee.
In the current series, Harry has a new nemesis — Blake, played by Rupert, who says: “Blake is desperate to destroy Harry’s lucky bracelet, which he blames for the death of his parents. So he follows Harry to Hong Kong, where the bracelet comes from.”For a show about magic powers, it makes sense to come to the exotic Far East.
Hong Kong was a British colony before its return to China in 1997 and the influence of both countries is clear.
The waving “lucky cats” perch in every shop window, while some hotels don’t have a fourth floor because the Cantonese word “four” sounds like their word for death.
James says: “To bring Lucky Man here is incredible. It all started here for Harry and the bracelet, so it’s perfect.
“We’ve filmed a night shoot in Temple Street, which has a big, famous market. It was extraordinary, teeming with life. We were filming in little backstreet kitchens and the chef was there, topless and smoking, making incredible food. You really feel part of life here.”
There are countless other markets and temples for visitors to explore.
Rupert was filming Lucky Man while actress wife Dervla Kirwan was making ITV’s Strangers close by.
He says: “We climbed the Big Buddha, which is the biggest Buddha statue in the world, and checked out the Jade Market and Ladies’ Market, which are good fun.
“It’s really easy to get around on public transport. And you’re not allowed to eat on the trains. I wish they’d make that a rule in London.”
The beauty of Hong Kong for visitors is the fusion of East and West.
JUNK BOATS AND MICHELIN FOOD
Hong Kong has a huge selection of great luxury hotels, if you want to re-enact the antics of James Nesbitt and co-stqar Jing Lusl.
The intercontinetal Grand is well-locatied, but you can also stay in well-kept YHA rooms, such as Mel ho House, for £60 per night.
Restaurants are also plentiful at both emnds of the scale.
The Kwan Kee stor in Kowloon is tiny but warrants a mention in the Michelin Guide for its traditional Chinese rice pudding and black sesame rolls.
And the Din Tal Fung chain does affordable buns that have people queuing out of the door.
For something fancier, head to Sky Boss for a view over the city or Xlhe Yayuan by the Ocean Terminal Deck.
Or take in the nightly Symphoiny of Lights laser show before jumping on the Aqua Luna Chinese junk boat, where guests curl up on a loung bed for a 45-minute cruise around Victoria Harbour.
There are swanky places to visit as well as the more traditional local hangouts, making for a very eclectic holiday.
Rupert says: “There are a lot of bars at the top of towers with amazing views that are worth checking out. The Soho district is very good and we went to a great place called Lan Kwai Fong, which was full of bars and clubs — although maybe a bit young for us. I’ve been sticking to beer and wine, but they like a good cocktail here. The drink of choice with our crew seems to be Long Island Iced Tea and they stagger around after three of those. I don’t know how they do it.”
If the skyscrapers, cocktails, food and buzzing markets are what you might expect from Hong Kong, visitors could be surprised by how close the central district is to world-class beaches and hiking.
Forty per cent of Hong Kong is protected parkland, 70 per cent is covered in trees and a third of China’s birds are here. At weekends, the countryside bustles with hikers, bikers, joggers and beachgoers.
A particular favourite is the High Island Reservoir, which sits among hexagonal volcanic rock columns 14million years old.
Not far away is the MacLehose Trail, a hiking route featuring sea caves, stacks and dykes, with beaches and little cafes on the way.
Rupert says: “It’s not the first thing you think of when you think of Hong Kong but it really is very beautiful
“I was lucky to have time to visit friends on the Outlying Islands, 40 minutes from the main district.
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“They are full of beautiful beaches and forests. The hikes are great.” Horse racing is popular here and James says: “The racing is incredible. Happy Valley is the place to go if you can.
“We’ve had fabulous locations. One night we filmed in a rooftop bar, The Hennessy. It felt like we were on top of the world.
“It’s been great to mix up two very different worlds. I can imagine a holiday here being great fun, so perhaps I should come back one day.”
GO: HONG KONG
GETTING THERE: Flights from Heathrow to Hong Kong are from £438pp return with Virgin Atlantic. See for details or call 0844 2092 770.
STAYING THERE: One night, room only, at YHA Mei Ho House is from £67pp based on three sharing. See