Frenetic, chaotically delightful spin on a wedding dinner anchored by Sebastian Tan’s larger-than-life performance.

Divorces are often treated as tragedies, spoken about in hushed tones rather than celebrated. But why shouldn’t the end of a relationship also mark a fresh start—two people mutually deciding they’re ready to embrace singlehood again?

Dream Academy seems to think it is worth celebrating, and their new theatrical dining experience, The Divorce Party!, leans fully into that idea. Staged in collaboration with The Capitol Kempinski Hotel, the show mirrors the energy of a bachelorette or wedding dinner, with guests invited by Alison May Shiau (Sara Liwen Smith) to honour her best friend, divorcee Phoebe Choo (Sharon Sum), as she re-enters single life. Over the course of the evening, hijinks unfold through games, karaoke, surprise revelations, and increasingly chaotic antics.

Although the premise rests on a very slim storyline, it’s impressive how engaging the experience remains. Much like a real wedding dinner, the night begins with registration at the Atelier Ballroom, followed by welcome drinks and mingling with quirky characters. Hawaiian-themed décor immediately sets a playful tone for the festivities ahead.

The staging works well, against the ballroom’s unusual setup. Seating is assigned banquet-style, yet the roaming performance ensures that most guests enjoy a good view no matter where they’re placed. Scenes unfold throughout the ballroom rather than on a fixed stage, creating a sense of intimacy and keeping the energy circulating around the room.

As the performance progresses, what initially appears to be a simple “surprise divorce party” evolves into something richer—touching on mother–daughter dynamics, expectations surrounding marriage in Singapore, and the tension between practicality and romance. The narrative remains unpredictable without ever feeling heavy-handed, allowing the production to prioritise raucous entertainment and high-energy comedy.

Audience participation plays a big role in that. It begins somewhat awkwardly as guests gauge how involved they’re expected to be, but the cast’s warmth and playful teasing quickly put everyone at ease. There’s no judgment, even when audience members are roped in as “family” or “company” within the story, and participation soon becomes genuinely enjoyable.

And that approach works. The show is undeniably cheesy and occasionally formulaic, but the cast’s enthusiasm and strong chemistry sweep the audience along. Karaoke numbers with rewritten lyrics to girl-power anthems like Kelly Clarkson’s Stronger, best-dressed competitions, bingo with an oversized drum, and even a burlesque striptease keep the evening lively. There’s a distinct Mamma Mia! spirit—unapologetically over-the-top and fully committed to fun.

The ensemble deserves praise for performing with such heart, making even the silliest moments feel sincere. They interact warmly with guests, delivering personalised asides and additional story beats at tables, which heightens the immersive experience.

However, it’s Sebastian Tan who consistently steals the spotlight. Appearing in drag as family matriarch Penny Choo, he commands every scene with comic precision and irresistible charisma. His bilingual vocals are strong and confident—his Whitney Houston covers in particular feel effortless and uniquely his own. Whether bragging about her company hitting the NASDAQ or scolding Phoebe’s life choices, Penny dominates the room in the best possible way.

If anything detracts from the evening, it’s the food. The banquet-style dishes feel lacklustre in both taste and presentation—forgettable at best, and occasionally cheap in execution. Fortunately, the performances quickly overshadow the meal, making it feel more like a functional accompaniment than a feature.

Despite that, The Divorce Party! is a riot of a show, outdoing itself with each subsequent act. By the end of the night, with guests willingly joining conga lines and belting out songs, it genuinely feels like a shared celebration. Everyone becomes part of the party, unafraid to let loose, and there’s real joy in that collective abandon.

This may be a divorce party, but we’re kept thoroughly engaged throughout—raise a glass and yamseng to Dream Academy’s successful, spirited take on dinner theatre.

Photo Credit: Dream Academy

The Divorce Party! plays from 18th November to 14th December 2025 at the Capitol Kempinski Hotel. Tickets available here