Victoria Theatre & Victoria Concert Hall
Victoria Theatre & Victoria Concert Hall
4
About
The grand old dames of Singapore’s performing arts scene, Victoria Theatre and Victoria Concert Hall (VTVCH), returns after a three-year refurbishment to Singapore's growing arts and cultural landscape. Its elegant Victorian facade is well-preserved, so are its famed clock tower and original passageway connecting the theatre and concert hall. Walk through this charming building to see its heritage elements carefully conserved, namely its 152-year-old twin domes. Providing mid-sized performance venues, VTVCH fills a gap in the local arts scene, and now has improved acoustics, music and dance rehearsal rooms and state-of-the-art facilities.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: City Hall
How to get there
- Raffles Place • 7 min walk
- Telok Ayer • 10 min walk
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4.0
103 reviews
Excellent
35
Very good
55
Average
13
Poor
0
Terrible
0
jadezty
Singapore, Singapore131 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
A good landmark of Singapore to visit, it houses a good couple of auditoriums that we recently brought the tot to to catch The Gruffalo, a children’s play. Seats were clean with children booster seats handed out at the entrance. No carpark linked to the building, we had to park at the National gallery cp and walk over, about 5 minutes.
Written 21 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Grover R
Pensacola, FL22,266 contributions
Feb 2020
The colonial quarter is dominated by these Victorian styled British buildings and one of the best is the theater. Now we did not get to go inside but we admired it from nearly every place we did visit. It is that sort of Greek Revival 19th century style paint stark white that simply works perfectly with the sun and lush flora. We did not visit but we took a lot of pictures
Written 10 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SOH KIEN PENG
Singapore, Singapore9,563 contributions
Oct 2019
The British colonialists constructed this as a Town Hall in 1855 and it was a town hall until 1862. It became a performing arts center in 1883 until today. The theater went through refurbishment in recent years and there was much upgrading in the amenities. This was my first time stepping into the theater after the upgrading.
During the pioneering years of the British rule, the performing arts and music that prevailed on the stage of this theater served the interests of the British imperialists and that of the `bourgeoisie'. The common masses suffered much hardship and struggled bitterly for a decent livelihood and were not appreciative of Beethoven or Mozart or the symphony orchestra.
In fact, to the local Chinese immigrants, the Chinese Wayang and Getai shows attracted the poor man on the street more than those western liberal music and songs..The theater was the refined performing arts center for the refined class of people.
Since independence, the theater has become a center for both local and foreign cultural performing arts. I once attended a music concert organized by the Soka Association in Singapore where musicians from Japan presented with lovely instrumental music and lovely songs.
Tonight, I came to appreciate a music concert organized by the Ng Clan in raising funds for the Thong Chai Medical Hall. The amount raised was about $500,000/- and I was impressed with the soothing and lovely popular music played by the team of Chinese orchestra at the stage.
The music masterpieces conveyed the plight of the pioneer immigrants in their early days of struggle in pursuit of a better livelihood in Singapore. The songs also encouraged the current generation to emulate the spirit of the pioneers, their social commitment and selfless contribution to society and their philanthropic effort in reaching out to the less fortunate.
As I departed out from the theater. I took a second look at the attractive neoclassical facade of the theater. The simplicity and symmetrical architectural design of this building impresses me with her stability and a harmoniously calm outlook at night. It looks different surrounded by a skyline of skyscrapers.
The statue of Sir Stamford Raffles stands robustly at the front fountain area with an air of dignity boasting the glorious days of the British Empire and when the British was once the master of this impressive theater and the conqueror of this island of Singapore.
But this Victoria Theater is now a theater for the People, no longer serving the interests of the colonialists nor a certain refined class of people. .
During the pioneering years of the British rule, the performing arts and music that prevailed on the stage of this theater served the interests of the British imperialists and that of the `bourgeoisie'. The common masses suffered much hardship and struggled bitterly for a decent livelihood and were not appreciative of Beethoven or Mozart or the symphony orchestra.
In fact, to the local Chinese immigrants, the Chinese Wayang and Getai shows attracted the poor man on the street more than those western liberal music and songs..The theater was the refined performing arts center for the refined class of people.
Since independence, the theater has become a center for both local and foreign cultural performing arts. I once attended a music concert organized by the Soka Association in Singapore where musicians from Japan presented with lovely instrumental music and lovely songs.
Tonight, I came to appreciate a music concert organized by the Ng Clan in raising funds for the Thong Chai Medical Hall. The amount raised was about $500,000/- and I was impressed with the soothing and lovely popular music played by the team of Chinese orchestra at the stage.
The music masterpieces conveyed the plight of the pioneer immigrants in their early days of struggle in pursuit of a better livelihood in Singapore. The songs also encouraged the current generation to emulate the spirit of the pioneers, their social commitment and selfless contribution to society and their philanthropic effort in reaching out to the less fortunate.
As I departed out from the theater. I took a second look at the attractive neoclassical facade of the theater. The simplicity and symmetrical architectural design of this building impresses me with her stability and a harmoniously calm outlook at night. It looks different surrounded by a skyline of skyscrapers.
The statue of Sir Stamford Raffles stands robustly at the front fountain area with an air of dignity boasting the glorious days of the British Empire and when the British was once the master of this impressive theater and the conqueror of this island of Singapore.
But this Victoria Theater is now a theater for the People, no longer serving the interests of the colonialists nor a certain refined class of people. .
Written 30 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheLeongOhana
United States7,575 contributions
Mar 2019
This building was worth stopping by when near the Asian Civilization Museum or visiting the Merlion. It had a traditional look and inside the high ceilings and skylights made it seem even larger. Also inside I noticed a number of young children being dropped off at the back entrance. Not sure why, maybe music lessons or a performance?
There was large lawn area in front along with a statue of Stamford Raffles. Not too many people out in the mid day heat.
There was large lawn area in front along with a statue of Stamford Raffles. Not too many people out in the mid day heat.
Written 2 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kelhamcorp
London, UK122 contributions
Dec 2014 • Friends
We went to see a performance of Wild Rice's 'Monkey Goes West'. As we were in the area at the lunchtime of the day of the show we thought we will collect our tickets ready for the evening performance and save time and avoid queuing later. Although there was no one else in the cavernous ticket hall we were met by the Abominable 'No' Woman. No we couldn't have the tickets we needed to collect them this evening. Despite attempts to understand the logic behind this decision the staff member just adamantly kept saying no and she was not willing to explain or debate the logic behind the decision. We walked over to the Esplanade Theatre, about 10 minutes away where we are seeing a show next week. The lady there very kindly printed both our tickets for the Esplanade and also the tickets for the performance at the Victoria Theatre that their member of staff couldn't be bothered to print. Pretty dreadful service considering that the production company are paying for a box office service to their patrons.
The bars are quite hidden and small. It took us a while to locate the one at level 1. Champagne at SGD20 approx £10 a glass is quite expensive. There is a disabled lavatory at this level but the main conveniences are down a quite steep staircase. In the main area there are very limited places to sit so people end up just standing around the place aimlessly.
The auditorium is very beautiful and has been restored to a very high standard. The seats are comfortable with good legroom. The stage restoration seemed to be very good and the fly tower has a very smooth operation. It helped to make the show flow really well.
It was a wet night when we arrived and we were told they would not allow umbrellas into the auditorium. We had to hand over our property and we were given a numbered slip to collect it at the end of the show. Sadly the person accountable for this process had not stored them in any order so it was total chaos with lots of people trying to claim their umbrellas and the young lady was totally overwhelmed and kept asking people what colour their umbrella was. It is not difficult they just need storing in a numerical sequence.
The main thing is that the building is great but they need to work on customer service and training for their staff.
The bars are quite hidden and small. It took us a while to locate the one at level 1. Champagne at SGD20 approx £10 a glass is quite expensive. There is a disabled lavatory at this level but the main conveniences are down a quite steep staircase. In the main area there are very limited places to sit so people end up just standing around the place aimlessly.
The auditorium is very beautiful and has been restored to a very high standard. The seats are comfortable with good legroom. The stage restoration seemed to be very good and the fly tower has a very smooth operation. It helped to make the show flow really well.
It was a wet night when we arrived and we were told they would not allow umbrellas into the auditorium. We had to hand over our property and we were given a numbered slip to collect it at the end of the show. Sadly the person accountable for this process had not stored them in any order so it was total chaos with lots of people trying to claim their umbrellas and the young lady was totally overwhelmed and kept asking people what colour their umbrella was. It is not difficult they just need storing in a numerical sequence.
The main thing is that the building is great but they need to work on customer service and training for their staff.
Written 12 December 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KodoDrummer
Buenos Aires, Argentina70,581 contributions
Feb 2024 • Friends
Victoria Theatre & Victoria Concert Hall is a very stately and elegant historical building with a British colonial clock tower. Magnificent architecture.
Written 28 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Princesspooh
Jakarta, Indonesia8 contributions
Apr 2019
It is easy to get there, as many public transportation are available within walking distance.
If you are early for a concert or show, you can enjoy some good food or even do some shopping.
Good place also just to hang out.
If you are early for a concert or show, you can enjoy some good food or even do some shopping.
Good place also just to hang out.
Written 20 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shirleyho
95 contributions
Apr 2019 • Family
Love the clean and greenery where u can take many beautiful pics with Raffles statue and the lawn in front to play catching with your kids. I feel like a child again in this spot. A very classy & romantic place to watch plays or concert.
Written 15 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nanda Mohammad
44 contributions
Aug 2016
We performed at Victoria Theatre,
It was very good experience.
Everything is good there and the venue is great.
You will like it
It was very good experience.
Everything is good there and the venue is great.
You will like it
Written 21 August 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
aflame_SG
Singapore, Singapore230 contributions
Nov 2015 • Family
This building is a good place to visit even when you are not going for any concert or show. The place comes to life at night when it is lighten up.
This is also a good place to take night photos, as you can see the MBS laser show from here.
This is also a good place to take night photos, as you can see the MBS laser show from here.
Written 30 November 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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