Professional and amateur theater companies, dance troupes, opera companies, and musical groups offer a wide variety of performances here.

Singapore theater comprises four distinct language groups—English, Chinese, Malay, and Tamil—and each maintains its own voice and culture through theater, dance, music, and traditional performances. Additionally, many Broadway and West End road shows stop by Singapore along their world tour itineraries, and international music acts often come to town as well. 

Tickets for many events can be purchased at SISTIC.com.sg.

Classical Performances

The Singapore Symphony Orchestra performs at the Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay, with regular special guest appearances by international celebrities. For performance dates, go to Esplanade.com. 

The Singapore Lyric Opera collaborates with renowned opera companies from around the world to stage Western operas such as Turandot and Madame Butterfly at the Esplanade. Check the company's website to see what's on.

The Singapore Chinese Orchestra has won several awards for its classic interpretations. Performances usually take place at the Singapore Conference Hall (7 Shenton Way). See performance schedules at the orchestra's website.

Theater

Many international troupes perform at the Esplanade -Theatres on the Bay (1 Esplanade Dr., a 10-minute walk from the City Hall MRT station) or at Marina Bay Sands (2 Bayfront Ave., a 5-minute walk from Marina Bay MRT). Smaller shows are sometimes staged at the Victoria Concert Hall (2nd floor, Victoria Memorial Hall, 11 Empress Place).

Noteworthy local companies include The Necessary Stage (278 Marine Parade Rd., #B1-02 Marine Parade Community Building), which blazed trails for the city's performing arts scene after staging productions that touched tender nerves for the community, including a startlingly frank monologue by the first Singaporean to publicly declare his struggle with AIDS. The Singapore Repertory Theatre (DBS Arts Centre, 20 Merbau Rd., Robertson Quay) is another reliable option for productions of crowd-pleasing favorites as well as searing newer works. 

Arts Programs

A number of venues host performance art pieces, fringe music productions, art talks, demonstrations, readings, and other specialized arts events.

The Arts House (1 Old Parliament Lane) is a popular venue located in the former Parliament House, whose government rooms, in grand colonial style, have been converted into spaces for art exhibits and small concerts. There's an intimate movie theater, too. 

You'll also want to check out what's happening at the Substation (45 Armenian St.), which offers space to smaller theater troupes, cinema groups, fine arts exhibitors, and performance artists.

Cultural Shows

Once upon a time, Cantonese opera could be seen under tents on street corners throughout the city. These days, local and visiting companies still perform, though more sporadically. For a performance you can count on, consult the calendar of events at Chinese Theatre Circle (5 Smith St.), where shows highlight the art form's most famous and beloved tales and contain explanations of the craft as well.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.