“Just Joking!” is a one-night-only performance by our neighbour’s No. 1 female comedian, who previously told FMT Lifestyle she has been making Malaysians laugh for more than a decade now.
Her new one-woman show is produced by Laugh Labs Entertainment, which is founded by acclaimed local comedian, writer and actor Phoon Chi Ho.
In the meantime, while you’re waiting for May 18 to roll around to have your ribs tickled by Sharul, why not celebrate World Laughter Day today by indulging in a good comedy movie or six?
Here are Sharul’s and Phoon’s top picks of funny flicks that never fail to lift their spirits.
Sharul’s picks
1. ‘The Mask’ (1994)
In this wacky comedy that made Jim Carrey a household name, a meek bank employee turns into a maniacal green-skinned superhero(?) after donning a mysterious mask.
“I am a total Carrey fan, and love his spontaneity and comic timing in the movie. ‘The Mask’ had me in splits.”
2. ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ (1993)
Ah, the classic crossdressing caper in which Robin Williams disguises himself as the titular character to spend time with his children following his divorce.
“Williams is another actor who was simply a comedy natural. I especially like the scene where he performs the Heimlich on his wife’s boyfriend (Pierce Brosnan).
“The best comedian-actors are those who don’t actually play the comedy; instead, they stay truthful to the scene and go with the flow.”
3. ‘The Hangover’ (2009)
Three buddies (Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis and Ed Helms) try to locate their missing friend after a bachelor party.
“I like to watch slapstick movies as I love humour that is completely baseless. I’ve heard enough intelligent jokes that don’t amuse me – give me trashy jokes and I will be rolling in the aisles!”
Phoon’s picks
1. ‘In Bruges’ (2008)
“I love crime comedies that pit tough guys in not-so-tough situations. I write for television, so this movie’s subtle dark British humour, twists, and the poetic brutal end of the two hired killers and the man who hired them is truly the work of a master.
“It’s not one for the faint- (and kind-) hearted, for sure.”
2. ‘Eagle Shooting Heroes’ (1993)
This Hong Kong film is packed with A-listers including Leslie Cheung, Maggie Cheung, Brigitte Lin, and Tony Leung (both Chiu-wai and Ka-fai)!
“This was the ‘Avengers: Endgame’ of Canton comedy, a parody of Louis Cha’s novel ‘The Legend of the Condor Heroes’.
“It has everything from Chinese nonsense-comedy on steroids and flying fight scenes to funny musical numbers and unnecessary explosions. Unmissable.”
3. ‘Airplane!’ and ‘Airplane II’ (1980 & 1982)
“This series was one of the first comedies I watched as a kid. It took me years to learn about its jokes and I would laugh at them at different points of my life as my sense of humour evolved.
“I still watch it occasionally, just to transport myself back to a time when everyone was okay with any form of humour.”
‘Just Joking!’ by Sharul Channa
When:
May 18 (Saturday), 9pm
Where:
PJ Live Arts,Level 1, Block E,
The Square @ Jaya One,
72A, Jalan Profesor Diraja Ungku Aziz,
46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Click here to get your tickets. Follow Sharul Channa on Instagram, and Phoon Chi Ho on Facebook.