Kumar brings Beats, Rhymes & Punchlines to Perth Comedy Festival

Singapore comedian Kumar is returning to Perth Comedy Festival this year with a new stand-up comedy special, Beats, Rhymes & Punchlines. Building on the global success of Kumarsutra: Greatest Hits, the first show at Regal Theatre has already sold out due to popular demand, with a new date added on Friday, May 3, and tickets on sale now. ALEIGHSHA GLEW caught up with Kumar to find out how Beats, Rhymes & Punchlines blends the rhythm and rhyme of the ’90s with side-splitting punchlines, cultural observations, and witty commentary.

Following the success of Kumarsutra: Greatest Hits, what has it been like to create Beats, Rhymes & Punchlines?

We just created a new show so we can come back to Australia. It’s been really interesting because we are trying to create a whole new concept for a new show to tour with this year.

And what drew you to use the beats from the ’90s in your show?

We used the lyrics of the ’80s and ’90s. It’s all about cassettes and the VHS and how the public phone became the headphone, you know, things like that?

How do you feel about returning to Perth to do a couple of shows as part of the Perth Comedy Festival?

I feel great about it and love it. I’m glad to be back.

After starting out doing stand-up in the 1980s, you moved into drag in the ’90s. What was behind that change? 

I started out doing comedy and then brought drag into the action. I felt that in those days, that’s what people did. Drag queens were not so accepted then, so it got people’s attention and their focus on the stage, which helped a lot.

I also heard that, as part of your comedy style, you don’t use any vulgar language in your shows. Why did you make the conscious choice to not use vulgar language?

Back in those days, we didn’t speak so much vulgarity unless we were angry with someone. Now, for Gen Z, it’s part of their conversation. I feel very uncomfortable speaking with vulgarity on stage.

As someone who has been to Australia previously, what funny observations have you made about the country and its people?

I’m in Melbourne now, and it’s like raining and raining and raining. It’s like you’re trying to find the sun. In Singapore, we are running away from the sun. Here we are finding the sun.

Yeah, it’s a city of four seasons in one day! 

Yes, I know. That’s right.

Why should the people of Perth come and see your show?

It’s got a lot of important information, and it’s funny. I think people should just come with an open mind and watch the show. It’s going to be awesome.