[Theatre] Does Kumar50’s shades of humour tickle you all over, or just in certain places?

Kumar50 (Dream Academy)
Kumar50 (Dream Academy)

I steeled myself for relentless, rapid-fire laughs at “Kumar50”. The posters promised loud and over the top humour in Kumar’s signature style, but that sort of hilarity requires a lot of energy from the audience, something that you need to be prepared for. I gripped and gulped a drink in hand (not a strong one, mind you) as I waited for the show to commence.

Kumar50 (Dream Academy)
Kumar50 (Dream Academy)

Predictably, Kumar came out in a flamboyant dress-cake (or is it a cake-dress) festooned with plenty of glittery little bits that you weren’t sure if you should be looking at. It made a fair amount of sense though, given that “Kumar50” is a show about the titular performer’s life story (he turns 50 on 10 August, if you’d like to send him your birthday wishes).

Kumar50 (Dream Academy)
Kumar50 (Dream Academy)

To my surprise, it wasn’t a sex joke extravaganza. It wasn’t all about lewd and crude comedy. There were plenty of intelligent, witty, excellent quips that tickled you in places other than the nether regions.

It was a beautifully balanced assortment of humour.

Kumar50 (Dream Academy)
Kumar50 (Dream Academy)

What was amazing about “Kumar50” was the number of nuances stuffed in between all the lines. Kumar would occasionally explain a more subtle joke when it seemed to have flown over the audiences heads, but he was content to let the less overt jokes lie. Then again, the audience that day was a stark contrast of lukewarm supporters in the front and excited theatregoers at the back, a fact that Kumar was quick to point out.

Kumar50 (Dream Academy)
Kumar50 (Dream Academy)

That’s not to say that we didn’t get the requisite number of adult jokes, which is probably the draw for many audiences, nor did it mean that Kumar had somehow mellowed in this performance. Far from it. His palpable energy was infectious and enthusiastic, sending everyone spiralling into bouts of laughter at the payoffs of his gags.

However, there was a slight sense of wistfulness as the comedian spun his yarns, baring the naked truth for all to see.

Kumar50 (Dream Academy)
Kumar50 (Dream Academy)

What was particularly touching was his love for his showgirls on stage and a pre-recorded interview segment at the end, when each of the performers talked about the challenges they faced in life and how their encounters with Kumar made a difference. It was treacle cut before it got too sappy, but it added a thoughtful dimension to the entire performance.

Kumar50 (Dream Academy)
Kumar50 (Dream Academy)

There were also song-and-dance routines which showcased the superb co-ordination and lip synching skills of Kumar and his showgirls, although that was more of the icing on the cake than the main attraction itself. Needless to say, their quick and fancy costume changes were as entertaining as ever.

Kumar50 (Dream Academy)
Kumar50 (Dream Academy)

Kumar may be heading into his 50’s, but he shows that he still has it (and that elusive “it” is still as hard to define, years down the road). It was a pleasant surprise to see him showcase his range and depth with “Kumar50”, even as I left with my drink unfinished.

It was that engrossing.

Kumar50 (Dream Academy)
Kumar50 (Dream Academy)

Duration: About 90 minutes with a 20 minute intermission

Dates: 28 Feb (Wed) – 11 Mar (Sun), 2018

Showtimes: Tue – Fri: 8pm, Sat & Sun: 3pm 

Tickets for Kumar50 are available on SISTIC.


This article was written for and first published on Yahoo Singapore.


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I’m a Singapore television scriptwriter who’s written for Lion Mums, Crimewatch, Police & Thief, and Incredible Tales. I’m also a Transformers enthusiast and avid pop culture scholar. You can find me on social media as Optimarcus and on my site.

Send me an email if you want to get in touch!


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