[Review] Sebastian Tan Steals the Show in Dream Academy’s Wild Divorce Party Dinner Theatre

We attended the show on its first night and upon arrival, it felt like a real wedding (or rather, divorce) reception, with the audience queuing to get registered, mirroring the real life equivalent. The immersive element begins immediately, with characters in character mingling around and welcoming guests. It was hard to tell the difference between who are acting talents and who are the audience at first, but this all adds to the fun.

Local theatre icon Sebastian Tan, better know as Broadway Beng, is a undeniable force as the family matriarch, Penny Choo. It is his impeccable comedic timing and stage presence that truly anchor the production, carrying the show through moments that might otherwise feel chaotic and messy at times. His performance is a masterclass, portraying a woman blissfully unaware of her daughter’s divorce and equally in denial about the cracks in her own “perfect” marriage. The narrative unfolds not just on a central stage but around the entire room, with actors weaving between tables. Be prepared for direct interaction; you might find a plant at your table or be pulled into an impromptu hula dance.

We were thankfully not called on stage for a dance, but had fun mingling with the ex-to-be, Andy who kept popping by our table, among other characters who stopped by. If you enjoy acting and would like to test your acting chops, you can play around and invite a random character to introduce. yourself as at the dinner. The talents will play along and banter with your accordingly to fit the narrative.

The experience is paired with a three-course dinner and dessert buffet curated by the Capitol Kempinski’s culinary team. The menu offers choices like soba noodle starters and mains of lemon herb chicken or seared seabass, with a vegetarian ratatouille option. This was followed by a dessert buffet, featuring a colourful array of kuehs and a chocolate fountain. There were some hiccups in the food services, resulting in some delays on the first night, but I believe this should iron itself out over the next show. Anyway, the food, while generally enjoyable, plays second fiddle to the unfolding drama, which is the true main course of the evening.

Interactive games like “Divorce Bingo” and scavenger hunts using items from your table keep the energy high and the audience engaged. These segments are well-integrated, revealing character details and rewarding sharp-eared guests with small prizes.

So with the price of one ticket, you get to immerse yourself in an interactive theatrical performance, have dinner served and even get to play games and win prizes. Perfect show for the kiasu Singaporean in all of us.

The show cleverly balances slapstick humour with moments of genuine, if exaggerated, family tension, ensuring the two-hour runtime feels brisk and entertaining. Though it gets chaotic at times, there is never a dull moment as there is always something happening somewhere, on stage or off stage to keep you occupied and entertained throughout the duration.

Overall, The Divorce Party is a successful and highly entertaining fusion of theatre and dining. It is an ideal outing for those seeking something beyond a traditional play, perfect for a birthday celebration or a fun date night. If you have yet to use your SG Culture Pass, this is a good avenue to spend it on for a fun dinner date!

Tickets for The Divorce Party are available online, with prices starting from $168 for off-peak shows. Most important for Singaporeans, you can also use your $100 SG Culture Pass on all ticket types.