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

Dream Academy’s latest production, The Divorce Party, invites Singapore audiences to a celebration many never knew they needed. Staged as an immersive dinner theatre experience at the Atelier ballroom in the opulent Capitol Kempinski Hotel, the show runs from 18 November to 14 December, 2025, promising a night where the gossip is as fiery as the proceedings are festive, all centred on the delightfully dysfunctional Choo Plastic family.

The premise is a clever twist on modern conventions.

Instead of a wedding, guests are invited to celebrate the lead character, Phoebe Choo’s newfound freedom from her cosplay-obsessed ex-to-be, Andy Sim Mong. The invitation, penned by Phoebe’s fiercely loyal BFF Alison, sets the tone for an evening of madcap fun and a strict dress code of stylish beach-chic couture. The surprise element is key, the party is a secret from Phoebe herself, and attendees are repeatedly warned not to spoil it.

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 8 for off-peak shows. Most important for Singaporeans, you can also use your 0 SG Culture Pass on all ticket types.