You're invited to "Por Por's Big Fat Surprise Wedding" at One Farrer Hotel in the heart of Little India. This interactive theatrical experience invites the audience to play the role of Por Por's cherished friends who have all gathered to celebrate her special day. Forget about the usual regimented rows of seats at the theatre – here, you're seated at round wedding tables, creating an atmosphere that mirrors the excitement of attending a friend's nuptials. But instead of the typical Chinese dinner banquet set-up, you’re at cheekily named “Tandoor is the Night”, an Indian restaurant owned by Ajeet (Chako Vadaketh) the enthusiastic emcee who’s excited to host “his first Chinese wedding”.
It’s clear that Por Por, played by Koh Chiang Mun, has lived a fulfilling life after the death of her husband. Her only son, Francis (Edward Choy), is all grown up and has a family of his own. Por Por has filled her days participating in interest groups from the likes of karaoke and wing chun to cryptocurrency and ikebana, where she’s made close friends who have now all turned up to celebrate her love. The mystery of the groom’s identity drives the plot forward – a puzzle that Francis is fiercely adamant about solving to put an end to the wedding. As you sit at your table, be prepared for the cast to mingle and engage in banter, adding an extra layer of interactivity to the evening. It’s all a lighthearted and humorous affair, complete with side plots that don’t quite get resolved unless you keep a keen eye out for how things unfold around you beyond the mic’d-up moments central to the story.
But as chaos unfolds around you, so does disaster on your plate. Despite working with chef Manjunath Murai, the man behind Michelin-starred Song of India, the four-course wedding feast leaves much to be desired. Those familiar with the hit-or-miss nature of hotel wedding banquets won't be too surprised, but we certainly had higher expectations for the food.
Beyond the culinary misadventure, the play serves up moments that toe the line between endearing and cringe-worthy. The karaoke segment, featuring uncle Adam (Ric Liu) and his “vibrato” is padded out by Ajeet’s (Chako Vadaketh) brilliant rendition of the classic Chinese love song, “The Moon Represents My Heart”. Por Por’s influencer granddaughter Prudentia’s (Tiara Yap) take on a now-outdated TikTok trend is balanced by her mother, Rainy’s, hysterical perforamance – all cleverly written and delivered by the playwright herself, Jo Tan. Much like any family gathering, Por Por’s wedding is a blend of awkwardness and fun – you never know quite what to expect next but the journey is bound to put a smile on your face.
Our advice? Leave your expectations at the door, go in with an open mind and revel in the joyous chaos of this unconventional soirée. Ordering a bottle of wine for the table won’t hurt either.
Book your tickets here.
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