Theatre: The Parting Glass

This September, Gateway Arts will transform a live music gastrobar at Gillman Barracks into the setting for an intimate story about love, loneliness and the emotional struggles that often remain hidden.

Running from 2 to 13 September 2026, The Parting Glass is Gateway Arts’ first immersive, site-specific theatre production. Instead of watching from a conventional auditorium, audiences will be seated inside The Blackbird, sharing the same social space as the characters and experiencing the story from only a few steps away.

Originally written by British playwright Chris O’Connor, the play has been adapted for Singapore audiences by local theatre practitioner Krish Natarajan. Samantha Scott-Blackhall, Artistic Director of Gateway Arts, directs the production, with Rishi Vadrevu and Juliana Kassim Chan playing the central couple, Jim and Sarah.

When Love Does Not Resolve Loneliness

At first, Jim and Sarah’s relationship appears warm, affectionate and familiar. As they revisit their time together, however, their memories begin to reveal the emotional distance that can exist even within a loving relationship.

Jim is funny, dependable and well-liked—the person who turns up for his friends and rarely gives anyone a reason to worry. Beneath that outward ease, he carries struggles that he finds difficult to communicate, even to those closest to him.

Through the couple’s story, The Parting Glass Singapore explores whether someone can be surrounded by love and friendship yet still feel profoundly alone. It also examines the assumptions people make about those they believe they know well, and how emotional distress can remain invisible in ordinary social settings.

The production touches on depression, isolation, masculinity and the pressure some men feel to remain self-reliant. Rather than presenting emotional distress through a dramatic confrontation, the play considers how it can emerge through quieter moments, strained communication and the gradual withdrawal of someone who does not know how to ask for help.

Theatre Within a Familiar Social Setting

Staging the play inside The Blackbird places audiences directly within Jim’s world. The bar is not simply a backdrop; it represents the routines, friendships and sense of belonging that shape his identity.

By removing the distance between performers and audience members, the production aims to make the characters’ humour, affection and heartache feel more immediate. The everyday venue also reinforces one of the play’s central ideas: a person may be struggling even while appearing comfortable and connected within familiar surroundings.

Ticket holders can receive 15% off food and beverages at The Blackbird by presenting their show ticket. The venue will also offer a co-branded speciality beverage called “The Parting Glass” during the production’s run.

Continuing the Conversation After the Show

Eagles Mediation & Counselling Centre (EMCC), the production’s presenting sponsor, will support a post-show discussion after every performance.

Led by EMCC counsellors and joined by mental health practitioners and people with lived experience, the discussions will allow audiences to reflect on the play’s themes and ask questions about mental health, relationships and emotional wellbeing.

EMCC counsellors will also be available at the venue before and after performances to share information about available support. In addition, ticket holders may apply for one of 30 complimentary individual counselling sessions, offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Redemption details will be provided in the programme booklet.

Event Details

Dates and times:

• 2 September 2026, 8pm — Preview
• 3 September 2026, 8pm
• 5 September 2026, 7pm
• 6 September 2026, 3pm
• 8 to 10 September 2026, 8pm
• 12 September 2026, 3pm and 7pm
• 13 September 2026, 5pm

Venue:
The Blackbird
Gillman Barracks
8 Lock Road
Singapore 108936

Duration: Approximately 75 minutes, with no intermission

Recommended age: 16 years old and above. Audience members under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Tickets:
Preview: S$30
Standard: S$45

Prices exclude SISTIC booking fees. Tickets are eligible for the SG Culture Pass.

Book tickets: SISTIC

Content advisory: The production contains themes of depression and references to suicide. As this is an immersive production, audiences will experience the story in close proximity to the performers.

Each performance will be followed by a post-show discussion facilitated by Eagles Mediation & Counselling Centre.

Images: Gateway Arts