Singapore’s theatre scene has long been a vibrant canvas for storytelling, with countless characters brought to life on stage. These characters reflect the city’s cultural tapestry, rich history and the ever-evolving identity of its people.
7 iconic Singapore theatre characters who shaped our cultural identity
Event Details
21 Dec 2024 (Sat)
Capitol Theatre
From larger-than-life figures to the deeply relatable, these iconic characters have left lasting impressions on audiences, sparking laughter, tears and thought-provoking conversations over the years.
In honour of the Dim Sum Dollies, who return to the stage this December for their SG60 special “The History of Singapore: Sixty Sexy Years”, we here at Catch decided to take a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Join us as we revisit some of the most unforgettable characters that have shaped Singapore’s theatre scene, each contributing to the unique voice of the nation’s performing arts.
1. The Dim Sum Dollies
To kick off this throwback, we have to start with the fabulous Dollies themselves.
This musical cabaret trio was founded by producer-director-writer-actress Selena Tan, actress and singer Emma Yong, and theatre actress Pamela Oei. Known for their bold costumes, high-energy dance moves, and sharp, comedic takes on Singapore’s social issues, the Dollies first made waves with their performance “A Single Woman” in 2002 at the Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay’s opening. Annual sold-out shows like “Steaming!” in 2003 followed.
In 2006, they lent their names to Glen Goei's adaptation of the off-Broadway musical comedy “Little Shop of Horrors” performed at Victoria Theatre. According to local director Ivan Heng, the name "Dim Sum Dollies" was chosen because the dish dim sum comes in threes with "each morsel painstakingly prepared to please eye and palate".
In 2010, the Dollies even created a cute little “Train is Coming” jingle that played in the MRT station just before the train arrived. At the same time, they featured in a full music video called “Love Your Ride” that incorporated singing, dancing and rap to promote gracious behaviour on public transportation.
Tragically, Emma Yong passed away in 2012. Following her passing, Gold 905 DJ Denise Tan was invited to carry on the legacy of her role. In 2016, Tan decided to focus on her radio hosting career and was succeeded by actress Jo Tan.
2. Phua Chu Kang
You probably know Phua Chu Kang (PCK) as the lovable, loud-mouthed contractor with his signature curly hair, oversized mole and bright yellow boots from the hit Singaporean sitcom “Phua Chu Kang Pte Ltd”.
But did you know that PCK also took centre stage in a theatre musical? In 2005, the iconic character starred in a wacky live performance at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, where his long-lost brother suddenly reappears and threatens to turn his world upside down. The musical followed PCK’s hilarious and chaotic journey to reclaim his life, with plenty of laughs along the way from his equally quirky family.
PCK’s popularity extends far beyond the small screen and stage. His larger-than-life persona has made him a favourite in commercials too, including the memorable H1N1 video in 2009 and the COVID-19 one in 2020. From TV to theatre to advertising, PCK’s versatility has definitely cemented him as one of Singapore’s most beloved and enduring characters.
3. Broadway Beng
Since his debut in 2006, the flamboyant “Broadway Beng” character has become a beloved staple of Singapore’s theatre scene, delighting audiences with his unique blend of stand-up comedy and classic Hokkien karaoke.
What sets “Broadway Beng” apart is not just his comedic timing, but also his celebration of Hokkien culture, an important part of Singapore’s multicultural identity. Sebastian Tan who plays “Broadway Beng” has been particularly passionate about preserving and promoting Hokkien culture, recognising the challenges it faces in a rapidly modernising society where younger generations may be drifting away from traditional dialects.
Through “Broadway Beng”, Tan has successfully managed to engage audiences both young and old, making Hokkien not only relevant but fun and relatable.
In Oct 2024, Tan wrapped up his latest “Broadway Beng” production “Fukien Special” to great acclaim. The show took a fresh twist on his signature style, focusing on popular Hokkien songs minus the comedic quips. It’s the perfect example of how Tan continues to entertain, educate and inspire, ensuring that the spirit of Hokkien – and the joy of laughter – remains strong in Singapore’s cultural landscape.
4. Emily of Emerald Hill
“Emily of Emerald Hill” is a one-woman play written in 1982 by local playwright Stella Kon. It tells the story of Emily Gan, who starts out as a young bride and transforms into a formidable matriarch in the Peranakan enclave of Emerald Hill, Singapore. This iconic character has captivated audiences worldwide, becoming a symbol of both Peranakan and Singaporean identity.
Kon drew inspiration from her own Peranakan upbringing and family experiences when developing Gan’s character, which resonates deeply with the complexities of heritage, family and resilience.
Gan’s role has been played by numerous theatre practitioners over the years, including Malaysian playwright Leow Puay Tin during the play’s premiere in Seremban, Malaysia, and local actress Margaret Chan during the 1985 Drama Festival in Singapore.
Singapore theatre veteran Ivan Heng is perhaps the most well-known incarnation of the character. His portrayal – marked by his cross-dressing in traditional kebayas and adopting a powerful, commanding feminine persona – has become a classic. His renditions, staged multiple times by WILD RICE theatre over two decades, have solidified his version of “Emily of Emerald Hill” as one of the most celebrated in the play's history.
5. LuLu in Beauty World
Singapore playwright Michael Chiang’s 1988 musical “Beauty World” follows Ivy, a young girl from Batu Pahat, Malaysia, who arrives in 1960s Singapore in search of her father. She ends up in Beauty World, a cabaret run by the formidable head girl LuLu.
While Ivy’s journey is at the heart of the story, it is LuLu’s wicked persona that truly steals the spotlight. Fueled by jealousy when wealthy businessman Towkay Neo takes an interest in Ivy, LuLu goes to extreme lengths to make her pay, making her one of the most memorable villains in Singaporean theatre.
First to bring Chiang’s iconic character to life was actress Christina Ong in 1988, followed by award-winner Tan Kheng Hua in 1992 during the Japan tour. Variety show presenter and actress Sharon Au then took over the reins in MediaCorp’s 1998 production at the Victoria Theatre (which was filmed for television) for the President’s Star Charity. Above-mentioned Gold 905 DJ and erstwhile Dim Sum Dolly Denise Tan then stepped into LuLu’s heels for WILD RICE’s 2008 production.
In 2015, Singaporean actress Jeanette Aw was determined to take on the role of LuLu, hoping to challenge herself after years of television acting. Having seen previous portrayals of LuLu, Aw was committed to reviving this iconic character with her own unique flair. And she did just that, bringing a fresh yet equally menacing energy to the role.
6. Adam in Brown Boys Don’t Tell Jokes
Another character deserving of a mention is Adam, the sensitive yet jaded queer professor from the 2023 play “Brown Boys Don’t Tell Jokes” – a major hit for its exploration of the quiet struggles and stereotypes faced by minority races in Singapore.
Adam, a highly logical individual, was a standout in the play for his multi-layered persona, grappling not only with societal pressures but also the added complexities of being queer in a society that often marginalises him.
The role was played by Shahid Nasheer, a talented actor and playwright known for his range in both comical and heartfelt roles, such as Omar in “Secondary: The Musical” and Senin in the upcoming Netflix show “Elevator”. Nasheer meant to return to the stage as Adam in a restaging of “Brown Boys Don’t Tell Jokes” due to its success, but tragically on 14 Oct, 2024, the “young giant” of Singapore's theatre community passed away from leukaemia.
While his absence is deeply felt, his legacy endures through his iconic characters, including Adam, who will now be studied in literature classes as a symbol of nuanced representation in Singapore’s theatre scene.
7. Kumar
Kumar, a multi-talented performer with a career spanning over 30 years, has established himself as one of Singapore's most iconic figures in stand-up comedy. Known for his irreverent sense of humour, Kumar's shows blend everyday observations, personal anecdotes and fearless commentary on controversial issues, often tackling sensitive cultural and social topics unapologetically.
His ability to turn cultural idiosyncrasies into comedic gold has made him a household name, and his connection to his stage persona is so profound that he performs under his own given name, blurring the line between his true self and the character he embodies.
Beyond comedy, Kumar has entertained millions as a TV host, actor, dancer, director, and author. His fearless approach to discussing taboo topics and sharp observations have made him an enduring figure in Singapore's entertainment landscape. Whether on stage or screen, Kumar continues to challenge conventions, entertain with flair, and spark conversations with his bold, boundary-pushing humour.
To truly appreciate the depth and diversity of Singapore’s theatrical landscape, immerse yourself in our vibrant local theatre scene. From the sharp wit of Kumar to the poignant storytelling of characters like Emily and Adam, these iconic figures are a testament to the talent and creativity that define our arts community.
By supporting and experiencing these works, you honour the legacy of these unforgettable characters and ensure the unique voices of Singapore’s theatre continue to thrive for generations to come.
Image credits: Yahoo, Astro Awani, Dream Academy, WILD RICE, J-Code, Checkpoint Theatre, The Vibes
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