Theatre company Pangdemonium bows out after 16 years, to close by year-end

Pangdemonium Theatre Company will cease operations at the end of its 2026 season, following a decision by its co-founders and co-artistic directors Adrian Pang and Tracie Pang to step away from the company.

In a statement released yesterday (2 February), the Pangs said the decision was a “purely personal” one, following what they described as extensive soul-searching and deliberation with the company’s board.

Founded in 2010, Pangdemonium has operated as a registered charity and Institution of Public Character, producing contemporary plays and musicals, modern classics, and original commissions adapted for Singapore audiences.

Don't miss: Nostalgia is not enough: How brands can get the rising trend right 

The co-founders said the decision comes amid sustained challenges facing the theatre sector, including rising production costs, economic uncertainty, and shifts in audience behaviour following the pandemic.

“Having judiciously weighed the pros and cons of all the possible options, implications and consequences together with our board of directors, the conclusion has been reached that the most realistic, prudent and practical way forward is for Pangdemonium… to take our final bow at the end of our 2026 Season,” they said.

They added that they wanted to conclude the company’s journey “on our own terms,” while they remained proud of its body of work and legacy.

Responding on the same day, Low Eng Teong, CEO of the National Arts Council (NAC), said the council respected the founders’ decision to cease operations for personal reasons, despite discussions to explore the company’s continuation.

“The National Arts Council has proudly supported Pangdemonium since 2017 as it grew into a financially sound and critically acclaimed theatre company in Singapore,” Low said.

He added that NAC’s immediate focus is on ensuring a smooth transition, including actively matching affected staff with new career opportunities to retain talent within the arts sector.

“While Pangdemonium concludes this chapter at the height of its success, its legacy of excellence endures,” Low said, inviting audiences to support the company’s final season and thanking the founders for their contribution to Singapore’s cultural landscape. Pangdemonium will continue to operate through its final season in 2026.

The closure also comes amid broader pressures facing Singapore’s independent arts and culture sector. In August last year, independent cinema and arts venue The Projector revealed it would enter voluntary liquidation, bringing more than a decade of alternative film programming and community-led initiatives to an end. The venue ceased operations on 19 August 2025.

At the time, founder Karen Tan cited rising operational costs, changing audience habits and a global decline in cinema attendance as key factors behind the decision. Tan said the decision followed prolonged efforts to sustain the venue, but escalating costs, shifting audience behaviour and a weak consumer market ultimately made continued operations untenable.

Showcase your most innovative content and gain recognition from a panel of industry leaders by entering the inaugural Content360 Awards. Submit your work today and be part of the celebration that honours the campaigns defining the future of content marketing.

Related articles: 
Singapore private club 1880 abruptly shuts down as financial troubles mount   
Jetstar Asia's shutdown: Does marketing even matter with price conscious customers?   
Isetan Tampines bids farewell after 30 years