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...
