After spending almost all of his life in Singapore, Sam See is finally ready for a more long-term change of environment. As a last hurrah to the country, the critically-acclaimed stand-up comedian is bringing his hit show Government Approved Sex to the Drama Centre Theatre for one night only, before moving to London to fully embrace and explore his career in comedy.

“Government Approved Sex is the best-reviewed show I’ve ever done, with full house after full house during its runs at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival,” says Sam. “No Southeast Asian comedy show has enjoyed that kind of reception before, with multiple four and five star reviews across both countries, and I genuinely think it’s the most fun I’ve had.” 

On why he made the big move to leave Singapore, Sam explains that really, it just makes sense for him to take his career in that direction where he can best thrive. “If I wasn’t gay I think I’d have a career where I wouldn’t have to leave Singapore,” he explains. “But I’m not running, I’m choosing to grow in the right light. You can’t put a saltwater fish in freshwater, and in Singapore, I’m a saltwater fish in the cleanest water in the world, so I gotta find the filthiest water I can find.”

“People will always say things to put you down, claiming that you ran away but you know what, I’m going somewhere where I’m gonna be appreciated and if you don’t like that, then too bad, you didn’t pay for my flights, you didn’t pay the rent. You didn’t even come to my show, and you’re just being an armchair critic,” he adds. “But regardless of where I am, what I really think is that I’ll be in a space to bring something new to the table while being challenged. I’m a comedian bringing the perspective of a gay man from Asia. And of course, plenty of dick jokes.”

On the differences between the West and Singapore, Sam quips about the freedom he’s enjoyed with the audience. “When I went over to do shows in the West, I put in more pop culture references in my jokes, because they get it whereas a lot of Singaporeans don’t,” he says. “And of all things, I used to think I was very alternative, but over in the UK, I’m just this hacky ass Asian guy who’s super mainstream. But no matter what, you’ll end up finding your own clan, the people who gravitate to your humour, and I think myself and other new wave comedians bring something fresh to the table, and the cycle continues.”

Perhaps one thing that’s unique about Sam that fans have come to know him for is his signature bow tie. “The bow tie thing came about because I started out wearing neckties. But because I do so much front-of-house work and bartending, the necktie would eventually get in my way when serving food and drinks, so I decided that the next best thing was to switch to a bowtie,” says Sam. “People were impressed by it and think it’s really fancy, but honestly, it’s just $4 from Pratunam in Bangkok, and well, it’s become my signature. Like they say, you gotta have a gimmick, and I’m gonna stick to it.”

Dick jokes may be aplenty in Sam’s pocket, but that’s not the point of his Government Approved Sex, which comes to Singapore for one night only. On the origin behind the show, Sam recalls working with the National Library Board on a project called Love Division, a series of panel discussions dissecting love and sex. “It was an eye-opening experience for me, because I thought I knew a lot but there was actually so much that I didn’t, which means the Average Joe on the street probably knows even less,” says Sam. “In general, Singapore is still a relatively conservative place. I remember about a decade ago, Mentos had a tongue-in-cheek National Day ad about having sex and making babies, and Singaporeans were so shocked at that. But you look around the world and see so many ads from companies like Durex or Viagra and it’s perfectly normal.”

“So this isn’t porn or a how-to, but a show about sex education, with an underlying love story, where it deviates a bit from your traditional standup, with presentation slides and an educational element to it. This is not porn, though we are giving out free condoms,” he adds. “The title is deliberately designed to make people want to double back when they walk past and create intrigue in them, and for me, it’s really been a reinvention of my style.”

Adding to that train of thought, Sam explains how the comedy scene in Singapore is still very much in its fledgling stages. “Some people come to my show and wonder why I’m not in a dress, but I’m not Kumar. There’s still so much locals don’t know about comedy, or the many different styles of entertainment that exist out there, like burlesque or cabaret. In a way, that’s exciting because it’s an art form we can still bring in and introduce people to, assuming they’re willing to try something new,” he says. “But at the same time, Singapore does not have a structure where new art is welcome or affordable. There’s still a lot that needs to be done in terms of handling grants and sponsorships and donations, and having more avenues for artists to get funding to do what they want.”

“And that’s why for this show, I’m trying to make it as affordable as possible, with $25 tickets. I always find it sad when we have good shows but the price point blocks people from daring to spend money on it, which goes against the accessibility of the arts and further makes people reluctant to try something new,” he adds. “I understand companies need to make money but we can’t keep begging people to come. There must be a way of balancing it all out, where you take a loss on some nights, because it’s still better to put people in seats, which might end up a future investment if they end up being supporters of the arts in future. Accessibility can even come in the form of open mics, and to me, there must be some kind of progression for everyone, younger or older, or regardless of class, to have a chance to see something, and be able to just experience it.”

Being a comedian has never been easy, and Sam elaborates on some of the tougher parts of the gig. “I do enjoy comedy, as it’s the most exciting art form to me, but it does require a lot of commitment. Being a comedian in the UK could involve driving two or three hours daily, performing four nights a week, so you really have to enjoy it,” he says. “And then there’s the touring, where you go home to your hotel alone. Thankfully, things have changed a lot, and these days it’s so much easier to get connected with people around the world via the Internet.”

“I’m also diagnosed with general anxiety and clinical depression. I do go to therapy and talk to friends about it, but there are days I do end up just laying in bed all day, but once out of the funk, I know I gotta take care of myself, to eat properly and talk to people and socialise,” he adds. “There are bad days but the joy of performing takes it away a bit, and gives you a moment of joy.”

Even beyond the mental health issues, being a comedian can be a real danger for someone of Sam’s stature, and he mentions the times he’s faced actual violence. “I’ve been confronted after my shows at times, where I almost got punched. It’s all part and parcel of the job though, and someone will get upset no matter what, so you have to roll with it,” he says. “On the other hand, you’ll also have your fair share of critics, and I’ll do my best to listen when I’m in the right frame of mind. But if I disagree, then sure thanks for contributing, but we can agree to disagree. It’s hard to be civil in this day and age, because everyone is so defensive of their point of view.”

“Even with all the difficulties, I keep on at it because well, it pays the bills and I need to put food on the table. There’s always going to be a little I still put fear on when I go to the stage but it shows I care, and that I’ll put on the best show I can,” he says. “It’s still hard, but there’s a sense of satisfaction in figuring out the right format for the show and getting the timing right in the club, seeing how all my genuine research comes to light and seeing how many people end up messaging me after the show and telling how it’s helped them. So yes, I do feel vindicated in making the choice to do this, and happy that it brings joy and help to some people.”

“I’ve reached the point in my career where it’s going to be as good as it gets in Singapore, but I do think I’ll still be very happy calling myself a proud Singaporean overseas,” he concludes. “I’m proving to myself and the naysayers that I am good enough to find my audience, and I know I can make people laugh whether they’re young or old, and if I can surmount all these difficulties, I can do anything I want to. This really will be my last big show in Singapore, and because it’s coming back after touring so many places, it’s going to be one of the best versions of it. Word of mouth is spreading to help ticket sales, and I do believe in the future of comedy here in Singapore.”

Sam See: Government Approved Sex plays on 17th November 2023 at the Drama Centre Theatre. Tickets available from BookMyShow