Douglas Lim is a very funny comedian from Malaysia and his show This Is Awkward is hilarious.
Douglas denies being the King of Malaysian Comedy and tells very
funny stories of Malaysia’s obsession with having kings.
After
explaining the origins of his name, Douglas recalls his experience
crossing the road in Melbourne and tells a hilarious story about his
suspicions on Australia’s immigration ideas and Australia’s apparent
“Right of Way” policy.
Douglas then teaches the audience a little of
Malaysia’s language and sayings before comparing them to our Australian
slang. He finishes with some more funny stories including Malaysian
customs at Chinese New Year and his views on fortune tellers.
One of the funniest comedians at this year’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival and a must see.
Melbourne International Comedy Festival comedian Q&A: Douglas Lim, This is Awkward
Douglas Lim, This is Awkward, Herald Sun
It’s going to be a brand new one-hour show. My comedy is generally observation based.
So, it’s going to be a commentary and reflection of my life in
Malaysia before and after the shocking General Elections of 2018, where
we elected in a new government for the first time since Independence. There will also be observations about Australia during my stay here.
What have you been up to since last time you were here?
Upon completion of my show This is Nice at MICF 2018, I went to New York for a play entitled Thicker Than Water.
It was a comedy about two Malaysians trying to sell a movie about America to America. We fail and get arrested by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.
I
then did a nationwide tour of my stand-up show together with the
Malaysian Association of Chinese Comedians (not a real association).
After
that I assumed head judge duties at our version of Last Comic Standing
called Maharajah Lawak Mega, landed a lead role in a revival of a
popular local sitcom called Spannar Jaya X and was a regular panel member in Malaysia’s first roasting program called Arena Panggang.
Who should see your show, and why?
I think anyone who enjoys comedy should come and watch my show. I’d be delighted if my fellow Malaysians came out in droves for a night of laughter and nostalgia about Malaysia.
However, I also really enjoyed performing for Australians who actually made up around 70 per cent of my audience during This is Nice.
Oh yes, I also usually have a nice jacket.
What’s your No.1 tip for people coming to see a show at the comedy festival?
I
would really encourage people to have an open mind because the comedy
shows at the festival are so varied; from straight stand up to
improvisation, sketch comedy, physical comedy, experimental
installations, etc …
And the cultural representation from so many different comedians should contribute to a refreshing night out.
Which other comedians/shows are you keen to see at this year’s festival, and why?
I
would definitely want to watch Aaron Chen, Becky Lucas, Benny Darsow,
Comedy Zone Asia, Danny Bhoy, Dave Hughes, David O’Doherty … Gosh,
there’s just too many.
What do you love about Melbourne?
I definitely enjoy the level of politeness I experienced during my time in Melbourne.
Also, the respect accorded to non-Australians was very refreshing and welcoming. I don’t know if this is genuine or some elaborate international PR stunt, but whatever it is, keep doing it, please.
Who or what is your comedic inspiration, and why?
Like
most Malaysian comedians, we grew up on a very limited diet of Eddy
Murphy, followed by Russell Peters before having access to superstars
like Michael McIntyre, Chris Rock, Dave Chapelle, Jim Jefferies, etc … I definitely admire their comedy and skill.
Anything else you want us to know about you or your show?
My moniker is “The King of Malaysian Comedy”. But this was a moniker given to me by the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. I am not comedy royalty in Malaysia. There is no such thing.
My father is just a retired air force pilot and my mum teaches line dancing to aunties after their visit to the morning market.
But I am funny.
And I’ve won a few comedy awards (actually just one).
And I think I’m the first Malaysian to be invited back by the festival three years in a row.
DOUGLAS LIM, THIS IS AWKWARD, MARCH 28-APRIL 7, CHINESE MUSEUM SILK ROOM, 22 COHEN PL. BOOK TICKETS
First
show starts tonight. 8.30pm. Chinese Museum. Melbourne. AUD25 (Special
preview price). Come and watch lah. Or tell your friends/ family who are
in Melbourne. Thanks ah...
My short performance at the #oxfamgala.
3000+ audience at the Palais Theatre in Melbourne. A big thank you to
@melbcomedyfestival for the opportunity and @jimleephoto for the
pictures. Crazy buzz. .
