As one of Dream Academy’s favourite recurring shows, the Dim Sum Dollies’ The History of Singapore is always a welcome production each time it receives a staging, where each iteration builds on the last, tracing the history of our small island nation from birth to modern day – alongside all its highs and lows, and everything is up for parody.

Seamlessly blending humour and history, this new edition arrives at the cusp of Singapore’s glorious 60th anniversary, giving it a celebratory atmosphere as they commemorate Sixty Sexy Years through sketches and skits. The History of Singapore is always rooted in some degree of truth and fact, but of course, given the glitzy and glamourous Dim Sum Dollies treatment. The show opens with grandeur as we are introduced to three enchanting mermaids, with our dollies still going strong even after all these years – Selena Tan, Pam Oei and Jo Tan, as they set the stage for a rollercoaster journey through Singapore’s storied past. Going all the way back to the arrival of Sang Nila Utama, to some fantastic quick-change antics of Sir Stamford Raffles discussing SPGs as good trade, it’s clear that anything and everything is up for parody, with a touch of education and a hefty dose of entertainment.

All three performers feel like the Pearls of the Orient, with their signature Dim Sum Dollies flair evident in every skit. From blushing Nanyang Girls’ School students stanning key election candidates, to women’s perspectives on National Service, the sketches are packed with clever insights and sharp observational humour. When we reach the 1970s, we are treated to an unusual medley of pop hits from “Que Sera Sera” to “Boogie Wonderland” and “YMCA.” The return of a classic sketch featuring Imelda Marcos from the Philippines, Mrs. Suharto from Indonesia, and India’s Indira Gandhi brings uproarious laughter, with over-the-top hilarity at the expense of shoe obsessions and who truly rules the country. But one of our favourite sketches has to be when quintessential Singaporean icons come together—the McDonald’s auntie, Tiger Beer auntie, and a clout-chasing influencer, as they make fun of the quintessential Singaporean pastime – queuing, before they poke fun at Netflix specials and offering snippets into all the behind-the-scenes- drama.

Our honorary fourth lead, ‘Chopstick’ Hossan Leong, is a mainstay in Dim Sum Dolly shows for a reason, with flair bringing each character to life, from the contentious cigarette-smoking Samsui woman, to an Indian coolie, a midwife from the 70s, a Japanese soldier, and even the late Lee Kuan Yew’s iconic cry on television, supported with a dramatic rendition of ‘Negaraku’ playing as Tengku Abdul Rahman “kicks out” Singapore from Malaysia. His versatility shines in every segment, going on to embody an all-too-familiar guitar-wielding icon to bringing Singapore Airlines’ “great way to fly” slogan to the fore as a stubborn lead stewardess. His performances segue smoothly between scenes, each showcasing a different facet of his talents and elevating the show to further heights.

Finally, the Dim Sum Dollies wouldn’t be what they are without the live band in the orchestra pit, as they support and underscore all the action, proof of Dream Academy’s commitment to quality. Stunning visuals fill the stage across three screens, immersing the audience in all the spectacle, while the fit “Lo Mai Guys” also certainly add tantalising food for fantasy onstage as well. As the show transitions into its festive finale, we watch as the entire cast gathers for a Christmas pageant, uniting everyone in a celebration of inclusivity and joy. The customary Christmas sing-along, led by the Dollies now dressed as angels, Hossan, and the Lo Mai Guys, offers a heartfelt close to the year, as it provides us a moment to reflect, laugh, and appreciate the unique theatrical magic that Dim Sum Dollies brings to the stage.

In all, this is an “all-you-can-eat” Dim Sum buffet, a feast for the senses that spans from the 1960s to now, and highlights how the Dim Sum Dollies are forever, living proof that you can make history sexy no matter how many times they stage this spectacle. The History of Singapore is an irreverent, creative and poignant love letter, presenting a vibrant tapestry of stories and incidents and people that celebrates everything that makes Singapore what it is today. As we embrace the season of giving, this show is a gift that reminds us to cherish the company of those around us and love Singapore, as we laugh while reflecting on all we’ve been through, while thoroughly enjoying the top tier entertainment we have the privilege to witness onstage as they give it their all each time.

Dim Sum Dollies Present The History of Singapore – Sixty Sexy Years plays from 12th to 21st December 2024 at the Capitol Theatre. Tickets available from SISTIC