*[Update: Dec.10, 1615hrs] In response to media queries, an MDA spokesperson said: 'MDA received the final script for “Dim Sum Dollies – The History of Singapore Part 2” on 1 December, and proceeded to classify the content and issue the licence expeditiously. The performance has been rated Advisory 16 (Some Mature Content) for its satirical socio-political references, which would be more suited for a mature audience. Works of a similar nature have similarly been rated Advisory 16, including “Orh Hor! A Sketch Comedy Revue” (2013) and “The Hossan Leong Show” (2010). The Advisory 16 rating is not age-restrictive and serves to allow consumers to make an informed viewing choice.'

The Media Development Authority (MDA) certainly swears by the civil service working style of "three working days".

It was reported in The Straits Times today that Dim Sum Dollies - The History of Singapore Part 2 was only given the green light to perform at the Esplanade just three days before the show's opening on Dec. 11, 2014.

And it smacked the revue with an "Advisory 16 (some mature content)" classification. Thankfully, this classification merely serves as an advisory and children below 16 are still allowed to enter.

According to The Straits Times, this is the first time that any of the popular Dim Sum Dollies revues, well known for its brand of irreverent take on Singaporean issues, has been issued a classification or rating of any sort.

For the uninitiated, here's a snippet of the Dollies' past performance:

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Dream Academy, producer of The History of Singapore Part 2, sent an e-mail to the media yesterday, saying that this classification was given "on account of sociopolitical references in our work".

This year's revue, which stars Selena Tan, Pam Oei and Denise Tan, consists of sketches such as "The Mas Selamat Mess-up" and "The ISA Wave Of Detentions" - which might have hit a raw nerve.

For most performers, not knowing the future of the production can be distressing. But not for the Dim Sum Dollies.

Question: How does one stay positive and look so upbeat without knowing where the show will be held?

Ivan Heng, founding Artistic Director of local theatre company Wild Rice, really gave it to the MDA with this post:

Perhaps to illustrate Heng's points , here are some scenarios (though highly impossible) to explain the artists' exasperation.

1. You paid for your air ticket many moons ago but the airline can only confirm the flight three days before the actual date.

2. You signed up for the first marathon of your life but the organisers can only release the race route three days before the race.

3. You spent one hour queuing for some amazeballs char kway teow, only to be told at your turn: "Mai hum? Come back three days later."

4. You paid a hefty downpayment for a condo but the developer can only release its location three days before breaking ground.

5. Your son spent months rehearsing to be the lead in a school's play but three days before the performance, he was relegated to being a tree.

But we all know MDA's famous midas touch - the show is going to be a hit.

Top photo from here.

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