Cover From reimagined classics to modern favourites, here are some of the most highly anticipated plays and musicals to watch this year (Photo: Instagram / @Wildricesg)
From reimagined classics to modern favourites, here are some of the most highly anticipated plays and musicals to watch this year (Photo: Instagram / @Wildricesg)
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From reimagined classics to modern favourites, here are some of the most highly anticipated plays and musicals to watch this year
As Singapore celebrates its 60th birthday this year, what better way to honour the nation than by watching a local production inspired by the island’s past?
This season, multiple homegrown theatre companies are spotlighting plays inspired by Singapore’s history. For example, Wild Rice is set to bring its iconic historical epic Hotel back to The Ngee Ann Kongsi Theatre. Celebrating the nation’s 60th and the local theatre company’s 25th birthday, Wild Rice’s upcoming plays tell stories about “Singapore and Singaporeans that we need to hear, but do not always find a place in our official narrative or the history books”, according to Wild Rice’s founding artistic director Ivan Heng.
Along with plays honouring the nation’s past, the local theatre scene also unveils a line-up of modern and reimagined productions, including Shakespeare in the Park: Macbeth and comedy-drama Singapore, Michigan.
As Singapore continues to unveil its slate of local productions, the year promises to be an exciting one for theatre lovers. Below, we share some of the most highly anticipated productions to keep your eye out for in the local theatre scene.
Read more: 6 highly anticipated international musicals and performances that are igniting Singapore’s stage
1. Salina
Above Rehearsals for Salina (Photo: Instagram / @Teaterkami_sg)
Rehearsals for Salina (Photo: Instagram / @Teaterkami_sg)
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Adapted from Malaysian novelist and poet A Samad Said’s acclaimed novel of the same name, Salina is a story of resilience and survival. Set in the 1950s, the production follows Salina, who fights to survive in post-war Singapore. Throughout the play, we see her and the nation rebuild themselves from the effects of World War II. The production is brought to life through a remarkable cast including Ariati Tyeb Papar, Fir Rahman and Rizal Aiman.
When: May 2 to 4
Where: Singtel Waterfront Theatre at Esplanade
2. Hotel
Above Wild Rice’s epic Hotel returns this year (Photo: Wild Rice)
Wild Rice’s epic Hotel returns this year (Photo: Wild Rice)
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Exploring notions of empire, nationhood, migration and identity, this multi-generational epic spans a century and is performed in nine languages. Set in a single hotel room from 1915 to 2015, the epic journeys through 100 years of Singapore’s history. This epic first made its world premiere in 2015 and returns to The Ngee Ann Kongsi Theatre after playing to a full house in 2023.
When: From August 14
Where: The Ngee Ann Kongsi Theatre @ Wild Rice, Funan
3. Singapore, Michigan
Local theatre company Pangdemonium’s upcoming play is set in Singapore, Michigan. Located by the shoreline of Lake Michigan, the ghost town was founded in 1836 and was a trade hub before being struck by tragedy in 1875. In 2025, a group of friends comprising two Singaporeans (from the country Singapore) and an American go on a mission to find this town. Throughout their journey, they’re faced with multiple challenges, which lead them to question what it means to be Singaporean in the 21st century.
When: June 26 to July 11
Where: Singapore Airlines Theatre @ Lasalle
4. Shakespeare in the Park: Macbeth
Above Head to Fort Canning Park to catch Shakespeare in the Park: Macbeth (Photo: Singapore Repertory Theatre)
Head to Fort Canning Park to catch Shakespeare in the Park: Macbeth (Photo: Singapore Repertory Theatre)
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Shakespeare in the Park returns to Fort Canning Park as it reimagines Macbeth, the English playwright’s tale of ambition, betrayal and power. The tragedy follows Macbeth, a Scottish general who rises to power while haunted by prophecies of three witches. Ghafir Akbar plays Macbeth alongside Julie Wee as Lady Macbeth.
When: May 7 to June 1
Where: Fort Canning Park
5. Merdeka / 獨立 /சுதந்திரம்
Above Merdeka looks back on Singapore's past (Photo: Wild Rice)
Merdeka looks back on Singapore's past (Photo: Wild Rice)
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This upcoming play looks back on Singapore’s past, examining how the nation’s history and humanity have been affected by the forces of colonialism. Starring talents from Wild Rice’s Young & Wild youth theatre programme, the play sees a youth group, Raffles Must Fall, examine the nation’s colonial legacy.
When: May 1 to 4
Where: The Ngee Ann Kongsi Theatre @ Wild Rice, Funan
6. Partial Eclipse of the Heart
This Mandarin musical tells the story of five friends who meet each decade at a seaside chalet. Not just a story of friendship, the musical is a reflection of the nation’s journey throughout the years. The jukebox musical will also feature Mandopop hits from local stars including Stefanie Sun, Eric Ng, Tanya Chua and more.
When: August 21 to September 7
Where: Drama Centre Theatre
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Amanda Goh was the former senior writer for Tatler Singapore.
