Life of the Party
This year, the Tao Group brings the Marquee megaclub concept to Marina Bay Sands. Terence Lim learns more about the collaborative project from co-founder Jason Strauss
Singapore has a very vibrant nightlife, notes Jason Strauss, co-founder of the Tao Group, the global hospitality company that owns and operates Lavo Italian Restaurant & Rooftop Bar at Marina Bay Sands. He feels that the nation boasts numerous outstanding bars, lounges and clubs, many of which rank among the best in the world. But that hasn’t deterred the group from throwing Marquee Singapore into the nightlife mix as it partners Marina Bay Sands to form a new multi-concept dining and entertainment destination at the integrated resort. While details of the new establishment are still in the works—it is expected to open in Q2 this year—marquee will no doubt pull in the crowds. After all, revellers will find the megaclub brand familiar because it is known for its celebrity parties and boasts presence in major cities with Marquee New York, Marquee Nightclub & Dayclub in Las Vegas, and Marquee at The Star in Sydney. “With Marquee Singapore, we are hoping to add some diversity to the existing mix of nightlife concepts. We believe what we are working on with Marina Bay Sands will truly bring a new ‘nocturnal energy’ to the resort,” says Jason. Marquee Singapore won’t be another run-ofthe-mill club. For one, it will take up the space formerly occupied by one of the theatres at the integrated resort and will span across three different floors with 70ft-high ceilings to boot. This means it will have the luxury of space, allowing partygoers to immerse themselves in a rich nightclub experience. Another feature set to be the calling card of Marquee Singapore is the full-sized, eightarmed Ferris wheel that will be built in the club. Guests can ride in each of the eight pods, snap pictures in the pods’ accompanying photo booths and be mesmerised by the spectacular view of the club from above. “The inspiration of the decor comes from various adult amusement parks and music festivals,” explains Jason, adding that with Marquee Singapore, the group wants to capture the energy of both “but in a more intimate, indoor facility of the future”. “The Ferris wheel has become an icon of festivals like Coachella and Electric Daisy Carnival and after visiting those, we came up with the idea of building a permanent one inside Marquee Singapore.” To build a nightlife entertainment venue in Singapore takes a hefty investment—something that Jason acknowledges—but he isn’t a foolhardy youth investing in his first venture. Having the experience of running food, beverage and nightlife entertainment venues for decades, Jason, together with his partners, made the call on the new collaboration with Marina Bay Sands, following the success of Lavo Singapore, which officially opened in 2018. That said, Singapore’s small market size and high operating costs have sounded the death knell for several international brand-name nightspots such as Ministry of Sound, Pangaea and Avalon in recent years. To that end, Jason is confident that Marquee Singapore will buck the trend with its concept and offerings. He says, “People today are discerning and well travelled, and they expect the same level of offerings in their own country. A unique concept like Marquee Singapore will elevate the scene here and across Southeast Asia.”