Adapted from image: Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay
When you think of group outings, be it with colleagues, classmates, or old friends, the usual long-tabled dinners come to mind. But if you’re bored of exorbitant meals or excursions to ECP or Sentosa, consider an alternative for your squad: Esplanade Theatres on the Bay.
Yes, you’ve heard me right. In light of our nation’s birthday, programmes and performances that celebrate all things Singaporean are popping up in Esplanade this August. And get this – they aren’t just going to be entertaining, but are also free-of-charge.
Image credit: Dialogue in the Dark – Singapore
Sure, you might’ve had countless cafe hopping outings with your friends, but have you tried smelling coffee in complete darkness? Held in collaboration with Dialogue in the Dark, Without Sight – Performance & Dark Room lets you experience first-hand how the visually-impaired cope with everyday tasks in pitch black rooms.
This is one sure way to bond your squad: Groups will have to communicate and trust one another as they navigate obstacles in the rooms.
Going through the pitch-dark Annexe studio space that usually hosts performances. Image credit: Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay
Plus, there’s an exhibition where you can try on headgear that simulates eye conditions like glaucoma and blurred vision. Finally, those of you with myopia are able to show your boastful 20/20 vision friends what it’s like to be short-sighted.
Date & Time:
9th Aug: 12.30PM & 2.30PM (Performance) | 1PM & 3PM (Experience)
10th – 12th Aug: 7PM & 8.15PM (Performance) | 7.30PM & 8.45PM (Experience)
Venue: Esplanade Annexe Studio
Banting’s heroine discovering her passion. Image credit: Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay
Hate pricey cinema tickets but unsure if an outdoor movie screening is worth the sweat? Don’t miss Esplanade’s FREE SG Film Screenings, held at their air-conditioned Concourse that’s perfect for shooting IG stories in comfort.
You’ll be supporting local filmmakers, too. On 11 August, catch Banting directed by M. Raihan Halim, a coming-of-age tale about a young woman’s dream to become a profssional wrestler.
In Singapore Dreaming: The famous 5 C’s. GIF adapted from: sinemaSG
And on 12 August, follow a typical working-class family and their aspirations for a better life in Singapore Dreaming (directed by Colin Goh and Woo Yen Yen).
Better yet, a pop-up 7-11 booth will be set up near the screening on both days – you can now buy snacks without missing a single minute of the movie!
Date & Time:
11th – 12th Aug: 9.30PM
Venue: Esplanade Concourse
Image credit: Choo Yut Shing
Karaoke is boisterous fun during a group outing, but only if everyone digs the same songs. No matter how ang moh or cheena you are, National Day songs are always familiar tunes that you can sing along to – so get your ‘karaoke’ on with the Police Quintet.
It’s not just a cool band name, the acoustic ensemble is actually from the Singapore Police Force and has performed for royalty such as the Sultan of Brunei. Along with guest star Abdul Thaqif Bani, they’ll be performing NDP tunes and other chart-toppers.
Dynamic Defence Displays which showcase the latest military vehicles.
Alternatively, head out to the Outdoor Theatre on National Day and look out for the fly-pasts and Dynamic Defence Displays that’ll unfold along the waterfront. To get you all hyped up, ex-SAF musicians will rev up SG spirit with marching and ceremonial tunes familiar to NSF ears.
Police Quintet Date & Time:
5th Aug: 5.30PM, 6.30PM, 7.30PM
6th Aug: 4.30PM, 5.30PM
Venue: Esplanade Concourse
Purple Light & Other Songs for Soldiers by Project W Date & Time:
9th Aug: 3.30PM, 4.45PM
Venue: Esplanade Outdoor Theatre
Image credit: Alex Oh
If you adore movie soundtracks, be sure to attend SG Film Music Live – where Singapore film composer Alex Oh will evoke the magic of motion pictures with the help of an 8-piece orchestra.
Listen to Alex Oh’s Revelation for The Maid. Image credit: Alex Oh
The prolific composer will be conducting a medley of scores he composed for notable films of different genres, such as the comedic Taxi! Taxi!, tear-jerking My Dog Dou Dou, and even the hair-raising Singapore blockbuster, The Maid.
Date & Time:
11th – 12th Aug: 7PM & 8PM
Venue: Esplanade Concourse
Image credit: GIPHY
Thrill seekers and horror buffs, rejoice – jio your friends to Late Night Ghost Stories: SEVEN, a play about what happens when the Gates of Hell are opened during the 7th lunar month.
Listen to local urban legends and bone-chilling stories told by 2 spirits as they fight it out to see who gets to return to our world as a newborn. Just make sure you’re extra cautious when you make your way home after that.
Date & Time:
8 Aug: 8.45PM & 9.45PM
19 Aug & 26 Aug: 8.30PM & 9.45PM
Venue: Esplanade Concourse
Wah Kee Hotpot ($30). Image credit: Wah Kee Big Prawn Noodle and Bistro
No memorable group outing lasts for just a few hours, so while you’re at it, recharge with an hour-long deep tissue massage or foot reflexology at Kenko Wellness Spa, with 52% off the second service!
Once you’re reinvigorated and looking for a place to have that almost customary long-tabled meal, check out Chef Wan’s Kitchen, Harry’s, Tomo Izakaya and Wah Kee Big Prawn Noodle and Bistro for $5.20 deals and other special offers!
Image credit: Tomo Izakaya
If not, snack on tasty local treats at DJ Bakery, Co+Nut+ink, Suzette, and Toastbox with varying promotional deals. Or shop around with stores such as Souvenirs From Singapore and Poster Hub selling quirky knick-knacks and decorative art prints at discounted prices.
Teh-peng ice cream with rainbow bread from Suzette. Adapted from image credit: Suzette
Check out the full list of promotions here.
Note: Promotions are valid from 1 – 31 August 2017.
Image credit: @esplanadesingapore
Esplanade is one of the busiest arts centres in the world with over 3000 performances held annually. Every month, Esplanade has free festivals and themed programmes – to celebrate SG52, this month’s theme is Red Dot August to celebrate all things Singaporean!
Happy faces of your squad after a fab day out.
So if you’re organising a get-together this August – or any other month – now you know where to go to spice up that ‘been there, done that’ squad-outing list and boast about it on the gram!
This post was brought to you by Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay.
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