Punchdrunk makes its Singapore debut with an immersive show for young audiences, and conjuring up the magic of storytelling.

Making a name for themselves as masters of sprawling, immersive theatre, UK’s Punchdrunk brings its educational wing to Singapore for the first time, with their children’s theatre show The Lost Lending Library at the Esplanade, focusing on crafting a sprawling world where storytelling takes centrestage.

Playing as part of the Esplanade’s 2025 March On! Festival, The Lost Lending Library imagines a fantastical space that at 314 floors high and with 78 spiral side departments, houses the largest collection of books and stories in the world. Tales of all shapes and sizes are crammed together on its shelves, with new adventures bursting into life from their covers. But this vast literary treasure trove is in flux—things go missing, unexpected challenges arise, and young visitors are enlisted to help keep the stories alive.

From the moment you check in, the experience signals that you’re about to step into something truly different. Even before setting foot into the ‘library’, the immersive journey already begins, with guides leading the audience to its hidden location in the Esplanade, weaving an air of mystery and anticipation before the show begins properl

The adventure unfolds with the introduction of Percival, a nomadic, unassuming character and endearing guide who shows us around this enchanting world. Percival’s presence is integral—his quiet charm and wide-eyed wonder invite children to step forward and engage. His role as an apprentice to the library mirrors the journey of the young participants, making him an effective and all-important anchor for the experience.

One notable aspect is how The Lost Lending Library leans heavily into its English roots. While some of the language and delivery may feel distinctly British, props to the team for making it accessible, with the children in attendance seeming to grasp it well enough, caught up in the sheer magic of the performance.

As an immersive theatre show, the interactive element is at the heart of the performance. The young audience is tasked with creating a story, using a trolley of intriguing objects as inspiration for meaning making. They also embark on a mini quest, where they solve a riddle to unlock a key to the library. This element of participation reinforces the central theme of how storytelling is not a passive act but a living, breathing exchange between teller and listener, a live performance where magic is made from words.

However, there are times the immersive magic falters due to the setting. The experience required participants to move between different areas, occasionally stepping out into the public areas, which disrupted the carefully crafted atmosphere. A more enclosed space could have heightened the sense of transportive wonder, ensuring that all audiences remained fully engaged without external distractions.

Once we’re inside the space though, the full power of Punchdrunk’s immersive storytelling takes over. The set design is breathtaking—rich textures, deep hues, and layered details create a world that feels both intimate and infinite, allowing us to feel completely lost within. The feeling is akin to stepping into a secret underground hideaway, where books are more than just objects; they are portals to adventure.

Here, the audience meets Peabody, the guardian of the library. This introduction marks the heart of the experience—where storytelling, imagination, and participation fuse seamlessly. The production’s attention to detail is remarkable; from the furnishings to the soundscape, where every element reinforces the feeling of stepping beyond the ordinary into a realm of infinite possibility, and anything can be made into reality.

As the journey draws to a close, a final surprise awaits—Percival receives a promotion, marking a fitting conclusion to an experience rooted in growth, belief, and storytelling. Each participant is gifted a Lost Lending Library card, a tangible reminder that they are now part of this whimsical world and its unfolding tales, and that books are their key to realms beyond.

This Singapore debut offers a tantalising glimpse of what Punchdrunk Enrichment can bring to the local scene. If The Lost Lending Library is any indication, there’s plenty of potential for even more immersive, interactive theatre experiences to take root and flourish in Singapore’s arts landscape, and who knows? Perhaps we might see even more from Punchdrunk to come in future, with the popularity and warm reception The Lost Lending Library has received from local audiences.

Photo Credit: Alvin Ho

The Lost Lending Library played at the Esplanade from 8th to 29th March 2025. More information available here

Production Credits:

Creator and Original Writer/Director Peter Higgin Director and Writer Mia Jerome Co-Direction Peter Higgin Original Designer Kate Rigby Associate Designer Casey-Jay Andrews Sound Design Stephen Dobbie Creative Development Alice Devlin Dramaturg Joanne Skapinker Production Managers Joe Monk, Daniel Steward Executive Director Amy Davies Dolamore Senior Producers Siobhan Higgins, Stephen Patry-Makin Production and Company Coordinator Esther Alcock