Call me a diehard fan but there is no way I am skipping #DimsumDollies – The History Of Singapore Part 1 even though I have watched the 2007/2008 show before. The History Of Singapore Part 2 added to my conviction but deep down in my heart, I was praying hard that my faith in the Dollies, Chopstick and Loh Mai Guys will be well rewarded in refreshed content and an afternoon of laughter.
The show starts with a familiar scene of the 3 Dim Sum Mermaids. As Selena Tan has rightfully put it – this version is essentially the same wonderfully funny show.
However, the Singapore we know in 2007 and 2008 differs slightly from the Singapore today. Same same but different you know. Now in 2015, with changing political climate and with the old guard gone, the dollies look back on pre-1965 history through a different lens.
As Selena Tan has rightfully put it “The amazing thing about live theatre is that every time you watch something, you watch it in a different space and time and so you get to rediscover new things and engage new feelings and laugh at different parts. A good thing lasts forever.” Dim Sum Dollies Spice Girls does bring back mixed memories of the yesteryears.
And the Dirty Very Dirty Pirates prove to be an effective reminder of how piracy has taken on new forms from selling of pirated DVDs to blatant downloading from online platforms.
Filled with loads of colloquial jokes, references and racial stereotypes, scenes of Singapore’s real Pioneer(ing) Generation icons such as Sang Nila, Samsui Women and Towkay Neos of Sin City Hustle of Opium dens and brothels draws hysterical laughters from the audience. The Mao & Gandhi segment seem to be a recent addition. Delivered in the similar style as the MRT Athletics in The History Of Singapore Part 2, it was hilarious.
From Missionary Nuns to pre-1965 Separation anxiety, the Dollies together with Chopstick and Loh Mai Guys successfully teased, sang and danced their way through more than 700 years of our little island’s history, in a whirlwind of sequins, feathers and 3-inch heels! The prematurely ejected Kamikaze Pilots part did not manage to tickle my funny bone but I guess they managed to showcase this dark moment in Singapore history on a lighter touch.
If you thought The History of Singapore Part 2 (Dec 2014) was cheeky, wait till you catch Part 1! Heng, I made the gamble to watch it again. Whether you have watched it before or you are a Part 1 virgin, don’t miss this cabaret comedy of EPIC PROPORTIONS!
Get Your Tickets Now!
Show Period: 05 – 21 June 2015
Show Time: 8pm (Tues – Sat) & 3pm (Sat & Sun)
Venue: Esplanade Theatre
Show Duration: 2 hours, including a 20-minute intermission
Ticket Prices: $148, $128, $88, $68, $48
Tickets can be purchased through SISTIC website, SISTIC Hotline: (65) 6348 5555 and SISTIC Authorised Agents islandwide.
