Entertainment

Theatre

In Singapore, you will find world classics, broadway hits, local creations and experimental plays.

The local theatre scene is a thriving one. Not only can you catch local adaptations of well loved classics such as George Orwell's Animal Farm, and Marc Camelotti's Boeing Boeing, you can also drop in on highly successful local productions, such as Emily of Emerald Hill, a play full of Peranakan flavour, and Chang & Eng — The Musical.  

The Singapore Repertory Theatre has also staged several award winning plays from West End such as HONK! and Art. Proof, a multiple award winning play on Broadway, was performed here by Action Theatre.

There are even Chinese, Malay and Tamil language theatre groups in Singapore, such as the Toy Factory Theatre Ensemble which produces international classics in Mandarin.

Performing in style

Dance

For ballet lovers, productions by the Singapore Dance Theatre (SDT) - Singapore’s foremost ballet company – will delight. The SDT’s works cover a diverse spectrum, from classics such as The Nutcracker to pieces by renowned contemporary choreographers like Jiri Kylian.

For those who prefer something more cutting edge and exuberant, watch out for performances by EcNad, The Arts Fission Company, and Odyssey Dance Theatre. Their unusual and creative mix of works will undoubtedly amaze you.

Ethnic dance groups offer home-grown and traditional dances, sometimes with a modern twist. Productions by local dance groups such as Sri Warisan (Malay), Bhaskar Academy of Arts, Temple of Fine Arts (Indian), and Dance Ensemble Singapore (Chinese) are sure to impress. 

Students from National Junior College performing

Music

Classical music lovers are in for a melodic treat at the acclaimed Singapore Symphony Orchestra’s weekly concerts at the Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay. Or go Oriental at the Singapore Chinese Orchestra's fortnightly performance at the Singapore Conference Hall.

The Singapore Lyric Opera also presents western classics like Carmen from time to time. For a taste of traditional Asian opera, check out concerts staged by local operatic associations, such as the Chinese Opera Institute and Chinese Theatre Circle. An appealing variety of operas ranging from Cantonese, Beijing, Hokkien, Malay Bangwasan to Indian Malayalam is organised in Singapore.
 
If classical is not what you are looking for, Singapore’s booming pop scene may offer an exciting alternative. International superstars like Robbie Williams, Elton John, Diana Krall, Rolling Stones, Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Jackie Cheung have all left their marks in Singapore; and there are many more to come.

Talentime at National Junior College

Museum

Much of art and history are intertwined. The museums in Singapore offer the best overview of Asia's diverse cultural traditions with their glorious cultural artifacts and paintings.  

Many of the magnificent buildings in Singapore from the colonial era have been converted to museums to act as windows to our rich history. Pay a visit to the many ongoing series of permanent and travelling exhibitions – they will surely keep you captivated for hours on end. 

The Chinese Heritage Centre

Shopping

At almost any time of day (or night), you can find shoppers around Singapore scouting around for the best deals. If you’re game, shopping in the ethnic quarters like Chinatown and Little India is an eye-opening and unique experience.

Little India also boasts Singapore’s only 24-hour shopping mall — Mustafa Centre — a 24-hour emporium – cum department store – cum Aladdin’s cave. Established since 1973, you’ll find every conceivable item here at some of the lowest fixed prices in Singapore.

Shopping in Chinatown