Life of Pi screens on Saturday, 5 December 2026 at 2pm at the Singtel Waterfront Theatre at Esplanade. The National Theatre Live encore is a recording of the West End stage adaptation, with puppetry and projection bringing Pi’s lifeboat and its animal passengers to life.
Standard tickets are S$28 and Esplanade advertises prices from S$24. The screening runs for 2 hours and 30 minutes including a 20-minute interval. Admission is from age six. The advisory is PG with some frightening scenes, and the presentation is in English with English subtitles.
- When Saturday, 5 December, 2pm
- Where Singtel Waterfront Theatre at Esplanade
- Cost S$28 standard; advertised from S$24
- Age and duration Six and up; 2 hours 30 minutes including interval
Event details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| When | Saturday, 5 December, 2pm |
| Where | Singtel Waterfront Theatre at Esplanade |
| Cost | S$28 standard; advertised from S$24 |
| Age and duration | Six and up; 2 hours 30 minutes including interval |
Which version of Life of Pi is showing?
The event is a filmed theatre production directed by Max Webster. Lolita Chakrabarti adapted Yann Martel’s novel for the stage. The version at Esplanade features actors, puppetry and projection as recorded in London’s West End. It is a different adaptation from Ang Lee’s feature film.
Pi is a teenager stranded after a shipwreck, sharing a lifeboat with animals that include a Bengal tiger. The production has to turn a stage into an ocean while keeping the pressure inside the boat visible. Watching how the puppeteers give the tiger a pace, weight and direction of attention is one way into the story for viewers who already know the plot.
Is the screening suitable for children?
Esplanade admits children from age six and advises that the screening contains some frightening scenes. Use the advisory alongside what you know about your child. The story involves a shipwreck, danger and animals threatening each other. A child can know the basic premise without being ready for every scene.
If you take a younger viewer, explain beforehand that people on stage operate the animal puppets. You can also tell them there is a break in the middle of the afternoon. The venue lists re-entry as permitted, so an adult can take a short pause outside with a child if needed and follow the ushers’ directions for returning.
Tickets and choosing seats
The standard price is S$28. For a family of four, that makes S$112 before any applicable fees or discounts. Esplanade lists limited concession tickets in several categories and advertises prices from S$24. Compare available options in the official booking flow and check that everyone in the party meets the minimum age.
The screening uses free seating, so tickets grant admission and seats are chosen at the venue. Arrive together if you want several seats beside one another. If you rely on subtitles or require wheelchair seating or assistive listening, consult the venue about the best arrangement before the visit.
Getting there and using the interval
The correct destination is Singtel Waterfront Theatre at Esplanade. Consult the visitor guide for walking routes from Esplanade or City Hall MRT. Give yourself time after reaching the complex to find the theatre entrance, pick seats and make a toilet stop.
A 2pm start and a 150-minute running time put the expected finish at 4.30pm, with the interval included in that estimate. The programme is listed as a relaxed environment, with assistive listening available. If you are planning an onward booking, leave room for exiting the auditorium and reaching your next venue.
Questions and answers
Is this the 2012 feature film?
Esplanade is screening the recorded West End stage production.
Does it have an interval?
Yes. A 20-minute interval is included in the listed 150-minute running time.
What language are the subtitles?
English subtitles accompany the English-language production.