[Review] Use Your SG Culture Pass Here: Wild Rice’s The Emperor’s New Clothes Is the Year-End Must-See for the Whole Family

Wild Rice is staging The Emperor’s New Clothes from now to 21 December 2025 at Wild Rice @ Funan. The production gives Hans Christian Andersen’s classic story a Singaporean spin, bringing humour, music and satire to the stage this year-end season.

For Singaporeans, if you have yet to decide what to spend your SG Culture Pass credits on, this show is a great choice. It appeals to both young and old and will have the whole audience laughing throughout. A perfect way to use your credits this festive season.

Synopsis

Set in a kingdom ruled by a self-obsessed Emperor who cares more about fashion than the people he governs, the story follows his plans to celebrate the 60th year of his reign with the grandest New Dress Parade the nation has ever seen. His excitement turns into trouble when two mischievous tailors uncover a palace secret and decide to teach him a lesson. They present the Emperor with an entirely imaginary outfit, convincing him that only the smartest and most capable citizens will be able to see it. As the charade spreads through the royal court, no one dares to speak up, setting the stage for the kingdom’s biggest wardrobe disaster unless someone is brave enough to tell the truth.

The story is straight-forward and most of us would know how the story goes.

While the core narrative is familiar, the show’s magic lies in its sharp, contemporary Singaporean adaptation by Joel Tan. Directed by Pam Oei, the production is layered with jokes and cultural allusions that will especially resonate with older audience members. These range from parodies of the annual National Day Parade (renamed the New Dress Parade) to pointed commentary on the “Garment (Gah men) Election,” and even a witty musical nod to a recent, viral political jingle, the ‘look left look right’ song by People’s Power Party candidate, Samuel Lee.

The cast consists of established actors such as Hossan Leong as the Emperor, Audrey Luo as the Empress and Sugie Phua as the Emperor’s trusty Minister, as well as other younger actors like, Izzul Irfan and Rino Junior John as the pair of tailors who came up with the Emperor’s new clothes.

Leong delivers a consistently solid and enigmatic performance, masterfully transitioning his character from a detestable tyrant to a more sympathetic figure. Without giving away any spoilers, Leong’s naked reveal, which culminates the iconic ‘Emperor’s new clothes’ scene, is arguably worth the price of admission alone.

Phua shines as the primary narrator, seamlessly shifting between his role as the Emperor’s bootlicking sidekick and an engaging emcee, effectively stitching the narrative together. Coupled with Luo’s portrayal of the sorrowful Empress, these characters elevate and reflect Leong’s central performance.

What I found impressive was their choice of ensemble, in which they utilised kids from First Stage to come on stage, do surprisingly well choreagraphed dances and acrobatics at highly professional level. The stage work was great, and the kids were amazing at their roles. Their involvement not only enhances the visual spectacle but injects riotous fun, ensuring the musical is genuinely engaging for the younger audience members as well.

A lot of efforts went into this production by the Wild Rice team. They have even come up with a downloadable Children’s Activity Book, as well as a Spotify playlist for their cast recordings.

With a live score composed by Julian Wong and a runtime of approximately two hours and ten minutes, including an intermission, this family friendly musical is designed for an immersive experience. Do not miss this witty, well executed, and timely piece of local theatre.

Tickets are now available through SISTIC and purchases for this event can also be made using SG Culture Pass credits.