From the land of legends and warrior monks the Chinese State Circus brings its new show to Dorking this week.

Featuring the Shaolin Warriors, the show is based on the legend of one of China's greatest heroines, Mulan.

Passed down from generation to generation, the ballad of Mulan, written during the Tang dynasty, is one of China's best-loved stories.

It tells the heroic tale of a strong-minded country girl who joined the Emperor's all-male army in place of her father who was too old to fight. Through her warrior skills she was promoted to the rank of general, yet during her epic exploits defeating all her enemies, no one was aware that she was a woman.

Cast in the title role of Mulan is martial arts expert Cao Jing, making her first appearance in the UK. Her 15 years of Kung Fu training will be put to the test in a dramatic fight sequence in which she encounters a giant warrior.

Marvel also at the aerial act performed high above the ring on silken strands, flying acrobats revolving on bungee lines, the gravity-defying gymnastics of the double poles, the seemingly impossible body manipulations of the hand-balancer and the somersaulting repertoire of the hoop divers.

Chinese State Circus presents Mulan, Dorking Halls, Monday, March 15, 8pm; Tuesday, March 16 and Wednesday, March 17, 5pm, 8pm; from £10 to £27 (family tickets available), 01306 881717 www.dorkinghalls.co.uk