Singapore like never before: 6 acts bring comedy, theatre, dance and street performance to Edinburgh
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The alternative side to Singapore’s cultural riches is being brought to the capital, as the island nation marks 60 years of independence. This is paid for editorial ahead of the Festival and Fringe, and not a Scotsman review.
Fresh talent and old favourites are among six acts from Singapore giving audiences a stunning showcase of emerging talent and an alternative side to the city state.
The season, supported by Singapore’s national youth organisation *SCAPE, highlights works which touch on a range of themes, experimental work, contemporary presentations and more.
The productions have special significance for Singaporeans as this year marks 60 years of independence.
The type of work that has been presented over the past 3 years working with Singaporean artists has been of exceptional professional quality in terms of production, tech, set design, performance, new writing... This partnership is going from strength to strength each year and we really hope it continues developing that way.
The six acts each offer something unique to audiences.
Juggling fun
Returning to the Fringe are three familiar names already making waves on the circuit. Jonathan Goh, a circus artist and street performer, returns to Edinburgh’s High Street with his crowd-pulling acrobatics and juggling acts.
Stand-up for Singapore
Sam See, a stand-up comedian now in his fifth year at the Fringe, continues to fly the flag for Singaporean stand-up by hosting The Asian Comedy Showcase and Off With Your Head, an improvised game show.
Back with a bang
Theatre performer and playwright Jo Tan, who has booked a spot with their one-hander KING in Summerhall, one of the most prestigious arts venues in Edinburgh, after their success at the same venue in 2024.
Meet the new class
They are joined by a new wave of artists eager to make their mark at the Fringe and carve out space on the international stage. Hee Suhui, a sound artist, presents her experimental piece Ill Behaviour overseas for the first time.
Decadance Co, a contemporary dance group, makes its Edinburgh Festival Fringe debut with The 11th Hour, a dark dance comedy.
Nebulous Niang, a stand-up comedian, brings her signature mix of humour and heart to the Fringe with her comedy special SLOMOSEXUAL.
Show details and how to book tickets
Show 1: ILL Behaviour by Suhui Hee, is an experimental audio-visual performative work marrying bodily sounds and operatic, ethereal vocals. Using contact microphones, the sounds of the body’s interior are amplified for all to hear, transforming the act of listening into an act of care and shared intimacy.
See what it’s all about @ill_behaviour_ , or follow Suhui @anise___ on Instagram.
From 31 Jul – 10 Aug (not 4, 7), 1:40pm at Summerhall, Former Gent’s Locker Room. Get tickets here: https://festival.summerhallarts.co.uk/events/ill-behaviour/
Show 2: KING by Jo Tan tells the story of Geok Yen, a public relations executive who seemingly has it all – a stable job and a boyfriend who is about to propose. But one fateful office party, her safe stable life gets upturned when on impulse, she attends the party in the guise of a man, with surprising results as she challenges stereotypical narratives surrounding gender.
Follow KING’s journey @kingtheplaysg, or see more of Jo’s work @jodecro.
From 12–25 Aug (not 18), 1:40pm at Summerhall, Former Gent’s Locker Room. Book now at https://festival.summerhallarts.co.uk/events/king/
Show 3: Asian Comedy Showcase and Off With Your Head improvised game show by Sam See, a London-based Singaporean stand-up comedian who has headlined in 25 countries. He has previously appeared in ‘best of’ lists for the Festival, received five star reviews, and has toured with Ed Byrne and Kevin Bridges.
He’s on Instagram as @mrsamsee
Show details:
Asian Comedy Showcase: 31 Jul – 24 Aug (not 5, 12, 19), 1:00pm Main Room at Laughing Horse @ The Pear Tree
Off With Your Head: 31 Jul – 24 Aug (not 5, 12, 19), 8:15pm Main Cellar at Laughing Horse @ West Nic Records
Grab your tickets now at https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/off-with-your-head
Show 4: SLOMOSEXUAL by Nebulous Niang.
This Singaporean stand-up comedian brings a one hour standup comedy special, as she reflects on her journey from growing up in 90s Asia to her life today, as one half of an inter-ethnic lesbian couple raising Gen-Z kids in a conservative society.
Find her on Instagram @nebulousniang
7-15 Aug, 2:30pm Little Cellar at Laughing Horse @ West Nic Records
Get tickets at https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/slomosexual
Show 5: The 11th Hour by Decadance Co The 11th Hour is a dark dance comedy that dives into the topic of death and ageless speculation of what comes after, in a satirical manner, reflecting on how different cultures expect that after death future to be. It’s a dark subject and one that bonds humanity and sometimes the only way to deal with the dark, is with the light.
Follow them on @deca.danceco
12-25 Aug (not 4, 7), 1:40pm Summerhall, Former Gent’s Locker Room Tickets from https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/the-11th-hour
Show 6: Planks & Ladder Show (Street Performances) by Jonathan Goh Jonathan Goh (@tranceonfire) will be returning to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe with his signature Planks & Ladder Show. Armed with his trusty props box and a free-standing ladder, Jonathan will astonish the audience as he juggles and performs breath-taking acrobatics.
At the end of his show risking it all free-climbing on a precarious ladder. This act is not just about skill but also about pushing the limits of what a Singaporean street circus show can be, all while making you laugh.
Catch him on the streets of Edinburgh (almost) every day.
Fuelled by a growing appetite for greater Singaporean representation at the Fringe, and a burgeoning interest among local artists in international touring, festivals, and outreach, Singapore Spotlight was created entirely by artists, for artists. The initiative is organised by six independent producers based in Singapore and the United Kingdom (UK): Lim Shien Hian, Caleb Lee, Mohamad Shaifulbahri, Brent Tan, Syania Shaharuddin, and Joanne Tay. Together, they form the collective driving Singapore’s first coordinated presence at the festival. For the latest updates, follow @singapore.spotlight on Instagram.