Tell us about your character.
I play Khairul No-Surname, an orphan who was abandoned at birth. He has developed a brotherly relationship with another orphan named Nathan, played by Benjamin Kheng. We find solace in each other because we don’t have anybody else. These guys are closer than family. Because of the way they grew up, everything the tailors do is ‘do or die’. We’re the sort of people who don’t have the luxury of second chances.
What sets the two tailors apart from each other?
Khai is more of a hothead, while Nate tries to keep him in check. That’s what’s great about their relationship: Khai will be pushing Nate to do something crazy and get out of his comfort zone, while Nate makes sure they don’t go overboard.
The Emperor’s New Clothes marks your stage debut. Why take that leap?
I’ve been getting audition calls for the past few years, but I really wanted to focus on my music. I have always thought about taking up drama more seriously, though. Earlier this year, I finally took on a movie role in 1965 – doing that gave me the confidence to audition for The Emperor’s New Clothes, which I really, really wanted to do!
What’s it been like working on a theatrical production for the first time?
It’s a really nice working environment, and everyone has been very patient with me. They’re not pressurising me to do anything that I can’t do. The push really comes from within myself – from seeing all these veteran performers at work and really wanting to be at their level. Like Lim Kay Siu, who has been acting on stage for thirty years. He’ll come up to me and give me positive reinforcement, telling me that a scene went well, and that really goes a long way towards boosting my confidence.
Has working on this pantomime surprised you in any way?
It’s quite insane to think about the scale of it. I didn’t realise it was going to be this big. I ask everyone, ‘Is every theatre production like this?’, because everyone’s so super freaking efficient! When I do rehearsals or shows, I’m used to working at my own pace and in my own time. Here, there are tens of people working as a machine. According to everyone working on the show, not all productions are like this, and I’m actually quite spoilt. I’m glad to have such a great cast and team for my first theatre show.
In this role, you’ll be acting, singing, dancing and playing an instrument, often at the same time. Which aspect was toughest for you?
I had no idea I could dance! It’s really funny. The first time we worked on choreography for Make It Rain, Pam was praying to every god there was. She was saying, ‘I didn’t audition you to dance! How ah?’ But, luckily, I discovered that I could dance!
As a musician yourself, what do you think about the music in the show?
The music is amazing. ‘Privilege’ is a very heavy word to use, but I would say it’s a privilege to be on stage with this music. It’s just mindblowing, and it does, like, 60% of the work for us. You’re saying and meaning your lines because they’ve been written in a way that’s just so synonymous with the music.
Tell us about working with your director, Pam Oei.
I’ve never told her this, but I see so much of myself in Pam – in the way she tells stories, and the way she explains things. When I listen to her talk, I’m like, ‘Oh, that’s how I sound like!’ It’s like sudden self-actualisation. [laughs] She’s such an actor’s director as well, which I think is really important. She empathises with what we are going through. She understands an actor’s thought process. Thank goodness I got Pam as my first director, because I’ve heard some horror stories from other people!
As a professional singer, you’ve performed for thousands of people in concerts. What’s the biggest difference for you when it comes to performing in musical theatre?
Sometimes, you’ve sung your own songs so many times that it becomes muscle memory. Something else is going on in your head when you’re singing. But doing musical theatre is different, because the story is in the words of the songs. The song carries you into the story.
Also, being an artist is so much about trying to let people know who you really are, which is really difficult as it is. But acting is a completely different thing, because it’s the reverse of that: you try not to be yourself. [laughs] I’m still getting used to it. But it’s a fantastic challenge. I love it so much!
How would you sum up your first experience in the theatre?
I understand now why people get addicted to the theatre. It’s really something else. There’s just something about musical theatre: doing a show live, with music. Having to go on stage and make music, without a camera filming it, is a totally different experience.
I also think it’s really good to get people who are new to theatre to come and watch a pantomime first. Not everybody can walk into the theatre for the first time and expect to understand what they see. If they don’t like it, they might be put off from going to the theatre for good. But the pantomime is such a great introduction to theatre, because it’s funny and local and cute.
