Pretty Ugly

by Theo Chen
Comma 2026
*SCAPE Gallery, Singapore

This is not the first time I've experienced Theo Chen's writing. I caught his debut play Cyril & Michael back in 2021, an assured, astringent take on modern gay relationships. Neither is it the first time I've seen him on stage; he made his professional theatre debut as a vivacious member of the ensemble in Pangdemonium's Kimberly Akimbo last year. But this is the first time I've encountered a solo show written and performed by the emerging theatre-maker and it is pretty amazing.

Pretty Ugly is a cabaret performance directed and produced by Shien Hian Lim that forms part of COMMA, the signature creative arts festival at *SCAPE. Dressed in a figure-hugging black dress and heels, Chen warmly greets us as we enter the gallery space on the top floor. We are invited to sit wherever we feel comfortable and crack open a complimentary canned drink as he takes his spot in the centre, accompanied by music director Joel Nah on the keyboard. 

It's a taut, tender show that grapples with big themes: the idea of never feeling beautiful in one's own skin and struggling to fit in. Through a mix of song and intimate storytelling, Chen shares anecdotes about his days growing up in Singapore, his love of theatre and dressing up and romantic struggles which left him wondering if he was ever worthy of love. He describes how he tried to erase parts of himself that did not subscribe to a certain ideal of masculinity only to realise that there is no such thing - what's important is to be confident, sincere and embrace one's authentic self, warts and all. 

Image by Naeem Kapadia from the 18 January 2026 performance

Chen is a natural performer who not only belts out musical theatre numbers with gusto but has the ability to effortlessly draw his audience in. He's chatty and vulnerable, sassy and searing all at once. A segment where he lovingly recalls a family member who supported him throughout his life has one blinking back tears. In a lovely, rather cathartic moment, he invites every member of the audience to join him in a slow dance, just allowing us a moment to shed our inhibitions and find comfort within our own bodies. 

Part of the beauty of this show is that it is never fully about Chen, but seeks to uplift and celebrate all who witness it. You will leave feeling a lot less ugly. 

The Crystalwords score: 3/5