Harith Iskander and Kumar are ready to ‘drop the mic’ in Perth

Starting in Malaysia and expanding across Southeast Asia, the popular live show, Mic Drop, makes its Australian debut in Melbourne before heading to Perth’s Regal Theatre on Sunday, November 15—with tickets on sale now. Presented by LOL Asia, the stand-up show features a powerful lineup of internationally acclaimed comedians from across Asia and Australia. Sharing laughs, joy, and fun with the audience, the show brings together decades of collective stage experience, distinct cultural perspectives, and sharp comedic writing that resonates across borders. ALYA MALIK FAISAL caught up with Harith Iskander and Kumar to discuss the show’s Perth debut, their thoughts on the state of comedy now, and what audiences can expect from the Mic Drop show later in November.

Congrats on the Mic Drop show! How does it feel to come back to Perth with this Mic Drop comedy show? What’s been the biggest change in your world since the last time you paid us a visit?

HARITH: It’s great to be coming back. The last time I performed in Perth was at Fringe in 2018, which feels like another lifetime ago. Probably the biggest change is that I’m now 60. Which means I’m essentially the same comedian, except I make a noise every time I get out of a chair.

But seriously, reaching 60 does change your perspective. I’ve been doing stand-up for over 35 years, and these days I’m probably more interested in why we behave the way we do than simply pointing out that we behave badly. Although, obviously, behaving badly is still much funnier. And getting to do this show with Kumar, someone I’ve known for decades, makes coming back to Perth particularly special.

KUMAR: Perth has always been very kind to me, so of course I’m happy to come back. Last time I was there was 2024. Now I’m coming back with Harith. So basically, Perth had two years to recover, and now we’re coming to disturb everybody again. Biggest change? Everything is technology now. Everybody is on their phone, everybody has an opinion, everybody has a podcast… and suddenly everybody thinks they’re a comedian. Very dangerous. But people still need to laugh. That part hasn’t changed. If anything, I think we need it even more now. 

Do you have to adapt your comedy for Australian audiences, or do you draw enough expats to make it feel like home?

HARITH: I don’t really believe in completely changing your comedy for different audiences. If I came all the way to Australia and suddenly started doing jokes about Vegemite, Australians would quite rightly say, “Who invited this idiot?” But upon saying that, I studied in Perth in the 80s, so I do know what Aussie footy is all about. What I do think you have to provide is context. Of course, having Malaysians and Singaporeans in the audience helps. They understand immediately when we say certain things. The Australians sometimes need another ten seconds. But eventually everybody discovers that Asian parents and Western parents are actually quite similar. Asian parents just have better long-term records of everything you’ve done wrong.

KUMAR: I don’t suddenly become Australian because I landed at Perth Airport. I’m still me. Of course I read the room. If there’s something very specific that people might not understand, I give them enough context to follow. But I’m not going to explain every joke. If I have to explain everything, then it’s no longer stand-up. It’s a PowerPoint presentation, and Perth is so multicultural anyway. You always have Malaysians, Singaporeans, Asians, Australians, everybody. Plus, certain things don’t need translation, like family problems, relationships, money, ageing, stupid people. These are all an international language. 

Do you think there are differences between Asian comedy and Western comedy? Do you recall a time when someone failed to navigate this well?

HARITH: There are definitely cultural differences, but I think the mistake is assuming that humour itself is completely different. The subjects might change. The references change. What you’re allowed to say publicly changes. And audiences certainly have different sensitivities.

The danger comes when a comedian assumes, “This joke killed in Singapore, therefore it will kill in Sydney.” Or vice versa. I’ve performed around the world, and there have absolutely been moments where I’ve said something and thought, “Ah. Apparently, that means something completely different here.” That silence teaches you very quickly.

KUMAR: Of course there are differences. Every country has its own culture, its own sensitivities and its own idea of what is funny. Sometimes even two audiences in Singapore/Malaysia are completely different. But human beings are still human beings. We all complain about the same thing. You definitely cannot assume that a joke would work well in Australia just because it did in Singapore. Sometimes you tell a joke that was fantastic somewhere else and suddenly… silence. That’s when you learn very quickly. You adjust; you move on. That’s live comedy. 

What is it about Perth that you love so much that you keep coming back? Is there anything you’re looking forward to seeing or doing?

HARITH: I really enjoyed Perth when I was there for Fringe in 2018. There’s something very relaxed about the city, but audiences still come ready to have a good time.

And there’s a wonderful Malaysian and Singaporean community there, so you get this strange feeling of travelling thousands of kilometres and then discovering somebody who knows exactly where to get proper nasi lemak. This time I’m mostly looking forward to experiencing Perth again eight years later.

KUMAR: Perth is beautiful, people are nice, and it has a different pace. You don’t feel like the city is fighting with you all day like in Singapore. You can breathe. This time I’m looking forward to doing the show with Harith, seeing some familiar faces. And please, I’m not flying all the way to Australia to eat room service. So, if anyone has good food and bar recommendations, tell me. I love letting loose post shows. 

Kumar, there have been rumours that this could be the last international tour of your career, which is very sad to hear. What do you say to this, and what do you say to fans who have loved your comedy and will hopefully see you at the Perth show later this year?

KUMAR: Relax. I’m still here. What I am doing is taking a break from touring in 2027. I’ve been travelling and performing for a very long time, and I think it’s time to slow down a little, stay home, breathe, and enjoy my time with my fur boys. How long will the break be? I honestly don’t know. Could be a while. Could be until I get bored. You know me. But I’m not saying goodbye. So, for now, I just want to enjoy these shows, enjoy the audiences. To everyone who has supported me all these years, thank you. I never imagined when I started that comedy would take me this far. So, Perth, come enjoy the show.

With the world in the state that it is now, what do you hope people will take away from this comedy show?

HARITH: For a couple of hours, I’d like people to forget about everything else. Comedy is one of the increasingly rare occasions where hundreds or thousands of strangers can sit in a room together, different ages, races, religions, and politics, and simultaneously laugh at the same stupid thing.

Nobody asks who you voted for before laughing. And I think we need more of that. Kumar and I have very different styles and very different personalities, but we’ve both spent decades making people laugh. So hopefully people leave Mic Drop having laughed a lot, perhaps having thought about a few things differently, and most importantly, feeling that the ticket was worth the money.

KUMAR: Honestly, I just want people to forget everything for a couple of hours. Forget work. Forget bills. Forget social media. Forget your WhatsApp groups. Especially the family WhatsApp group. Leave the group.

Just come into a room with hundreds of strangers and laugh. I also tend to throw in a bit of life advice here and there, whether people ask for it or not. So hopefully you leave with something useful as well. I cannot promise it will change your life, but at least you got something with your ticket. That’s what I love about live comedy. For that moment, everyone in the room is reacting to the same thing together. If you leave feeling a little lighter, a little happier, maybe your stomach hurts from laughing. Good. Then we’ve done our job.

Any last words or warnings for audiences getting ready for potentially dangerous jokes?

HARITH: Come with an open mind. Kumar and I have been doing comedy for a combined number of years that is frankly quite disturbing.

We know where the lines are. We also know that sometimes the funniest place to stand is very, very close to one. So come ready to laugh, don’t take everything too seriously, and remember: if you are easily offended, sitting in the front row of a comedy show featuring Kumar and Harith Iskander may not be the safest life decision you’ve ever made.

And if you do sit in the front row…don’t make eye contact.

KUMAR: Come with an open mind and be ready to laugh. That’s really it. Mic Drop has five comedians from completely different backgrounds, with completely different styles. Nobody quite knows what the other person is going to say, which is probably why it’s fun. There’ll be stand-up, crowd interaction, a bit of chaos. That’s the beauty of a live show. You can’t pause it, edit it or take it back. So, Perth, come and enjoy yourself. Laugh loudly, bring your friends and don’t be too serious. And if I happen to notice you in the audience… just smile and cooperate. It’s easier for everybody.

MIC DROP – Asia’s Wildest Comedy Night hits Regal Theatre on Sunday, November 15, 2026. Tickets are on sale now from premier.ticketek.com.au