Fashion-forward. Festive fun. Once upon a time in….2015….then 2025…. Wild Rice once again weaves its fabulous re-imagining of The Emperor’s New Clothes, cleverly directed by Pam Oei with a snappy script updated by Joel Tan, as this local theatre company turns 25.
The timeless tale of the narcissistic fashion-crazy king. Cloak of deception versus the unclothed truth. We all know the story. Find out how it unfolds in a wild, weird and wonderful way – stylishly Singaporean!
Wild Rice’s annual pantomime has never failed to be a treat. This year’s The Emperor’s New Clothes is done well Singa-style à la mode – in fashion or with ice-cream (check out the Birds of Paradise Gelato Pop-up at the Wild Rice Theatre Foyer bar for double the treat!).
Wild Rice’s The Emperor’s New Clothes Review
The show bursts with energy, inviting audiences into its whimsical world, serving audiences with a refreshing colourful cocktail of music, song and dance that keeps the story flowing seamlessly. And what is the pantomime without its usual witty current jokes peppered with political undertones?
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Hossan Leong shines as the super self-obsessed snob Emperor Henry Lim Bay Kun, clad in outrageous outfits (or none) parading through the streets with comic timing that brings the house down.
Brilliant as a pompous peacock and diva dictator, he is well-matched with the longsuffering but hopelessly romantic Empress Jeanette How, marvellously played by Audrey Luo, who just “let it go” when alone or hilariously thinking aloud!
The question: is the whole not-so-faraway kingdom on the Emperor’s side…. or not? Celebrating his 60th year of reign with glitz and glamour, the nation’s annual New Dress Parade is a riot in making.
The show comes complete with lively lyrical music by Composer-Arranger-Music Director Julian Wong. From the catchy theme song “The Emperor’s New Clothes” by the entire Company, “Brother From Another Mother” by the dynamic duo of two young tailors Khai (Izzul Irfan) and Nate (Rino Junior John) or poignantly “Perhaps” by the royal couple, the compact ensemble of colourful characters for this production was spot-on in delivery with all the right feels.
An instant hit that had the audience in stitches was “I Look Left Look Right” to the tune of the Chinese song “我是一只小小鸟” (I’m Just A Tiny Tiny Bird), superbly delivered by Sugie Phua as the Minister of Everything, Harry Rambutan.
Candice De Rozario as Somchai, the Thai tailor imprisoned by the Emperor pays tribute to the pantomine’s Thai costume designers, Tube Gallery, whose ingenious speedy costume transformations dazzle like magic, captivating the audience.
The strong supporting ensemble of First Stage Kids also stole the show with their high energy and cute performances.
This vibrant fairytale adaptation, with an invisible cloth spun on a spindle by a unicorn kid to boot, is filled with spectacle and satire that promises to enchant theatre-goers of all ages.
Laughter is the Best Lesson
Hans Christian Andersen’s 1837 classic teaches a significant lesson about confronting obvious truths, such that the phrase “the emperor has no clothes” has become an idiom to describe situations in which people are afraid to speak the truth or say things as they are.
In conversation with my teenagers before catching the show, both initially expressed disbelief that a fable about lies to save face would even fly in their wise young Gen Alpha eyes!
However, as the musical rolled on, they were soon entranced, waving their flags in fits of laughter.
Wild Rice’s adaption of The Emperor’s New Clothes asks similar questions about self-deception, conformity and obedience to authority. The two tailors do not deceive to swindle but to teach the Emperor a lesson in humility and smash his rose-tinted lens of self-absorption and pride to save the innocent souls he had locked up in the deep dungeons of his castle.
Why do people lie? To save face and not look stupid? To save their own skin? Fear is the impulse that drives oneself to go along with the pretense. It also begs the question of what makes “only the smartest and most competent people in the land can see it”?
The call to think for ourselves engages the evidently entertained audience as the empowered citizenry, given the choice to evolve from blind obedience of waving the correct coloured flags vigorously to embracing and stating the naked truth.
With heartwarming humour and invaluable lessons, this very Singaporean version of “The Emperor’s New Clothes” reminds us of the importance of honesty and the courage to speak the truth, all while delivering a hearty dose of laughter.
It is a charming experience that left us chuckling, reflective, recharged and re-fashioned!
Holiday Pantomime for Laughter & Mirth
The two-hour show (with an intermission between two acts) runs from 13 November to 21 December 2025, so gather your loved ones, young and old to catch it! It is the perfect pantomime for the holiday season.
Tickets are 85% sold! Get more details about Wild Rice’s The Emperor’s New Clothes.
