Following their debut production as Singapore Repertory Theatre’s (SRT) Company-in-Residence, emerging theatre collective The Winter Players return this June with their most ambitious production to date: a vibrant reimagining of William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, set in 1960s Singapore.

In this version of Much Ado About Nothing, come join the community of Messina, Singapore celebrating a break from ongoing political and military confrontations. But with a wedding on the horizon and joy in the air, not everyone is ready to toast to peace and love just yet. Playful plots and sinister schemes run delightfully amok on the eve of a wedding, turning enemies to lovers, lovers to enemies, and mischief into glorious chaos. The production will star Rohaniah Sa’id (Hani) as Beatrice, Marwyn Ho as Benedick, Rishi Vadrevu as Claudio, Juliana Kassim Chan as Hero, alongside an ensemble comprising Aaron Ee Jian Xian, Genevieve Tan, Jeffrey Guyton, Joel Gay Han, Christopher Gonzales Baines, Kaelen Ong, Feroz J. Malik, Wong Shao Qi, Cheang Ying Er, Stephen Rowland, Josh Lim Wen Xuan, and Ze Xi Isaac Lee.

This also marks the collective’s very first foray into Shakespearean comedy. “There’s a wave of theatre companies across the world right now reviving Shakespeare’s works, weaving their unique cultural tapestries into their own productions,” said Marwyn Ho, Artistic Director of The Winter Players, and director of Much Ado About Nothing. “This has strongly influenced our production— from a set that resembles a botanical garden, to our vintage wardrobe, local accents, iconic 60’s era dance choreography and music— the production is a love letter to a very romantic time in Singapore history.”

The Winter Players’ selection for SRT’s Resident Company Programme is a significant milestone for this young collective, whose mission is to share their love of classic works with Singapore audiences by exploring, resurrecting, and reinventing international dramatic literature. Following their first two productions — Christopher Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus and Henrik Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler, this residency marks the next step in elevating their ambitions.

“Investing in the next generation has always been a cornerstone of our work,” said Charlotte Nors, Managing Director of SRT. “As a forward-looking theatre company, we felt compelled to step up our support for local theatre and ensure our succession planning was deliberate and strategic. In 2022 we launched our Resident Company programme, which is based on mentorship, space sponsorship and development of young theatre companies and collectives.”

Blending copious amounts of 60’s dancing with beloved Singaporean hits from the era — including songs by The Quests, Rita Chao, Saloma, and more — into a vibrant love letter to classic theatre, local music, and our shared cultural history, The Winter Players invites audiences to engage with classical literature through the lens of young Singaporean artists, making Shakespeare’s works more accessible, meaningful, and resonant for today’s audiences.

Much Ado About Nothing plays at the SOTA Studio Theatre from 12th to 22nd June 2025. Tickets available from Eventbrite.