Laughter and heart rolled into one big comedy special.

Malaysian comedian Kuah Jenhan knows how to take careful potshots and make witty observations about the world we live in today. But in his solo outing Kuah Jenhan: Like This, Like Dad, Kuah offers something more than just a barrel full of laughs; he takes audiences on a deeply personal journey through memory, grief, identity, and, ultimately, love, in a class act that combines storytelling, emotional pacing, and comedy with heart.

The evening begins on a high note with special guest Jason Leong, whose presence immediately sets a thoughtful, introspective tone. Known for his sharp wit and fearless delivery, Jason opens with a darkly funny yet touching tale about loss—specifically, the death of a close friend. It’s bleak, yes, but told in the way only Jason can: sincere, raw, and cathartically hilarious. His ability to command the room, interact with the audience, and treat the space like an extension of his story speaks volumes about his professionalism and craft. At the core of his set, he reminds us that even in death, what lingers is love, laughter, and the stories we share.

This sets the stage for the rest of the night, as we hear the crackling voice of Patrick Teoh over a vintage radio, and Kuah Jenhan takes to the stage. Adorned with a fried chicken necklace, it’s a signal that we’re about to step into his quirky, layered world of humour. Jenhan’s entrance is gentle yet arresting. He begins not with a joke, but with a memory of waiting outside an operating theatre, hoping for the best. It is an all-too relatable scene for anyone who’s ever worried about a family member at the hospital, and from there, we’re swept into a narrative that spans car rides with quiet Grab drivers, childhood misunderstandings (like calling out “laulau” for 15 years), breakups, bonsai trees, and the deep, quiet love of a father who never said it aloud but showed it in every action.

Kuah’s comedic timing is impeccable, but what sets him apart is his ability to balance humour with vulnerability. This is a deeply human story that takes us through the spectrum of emotions: one moment, you’re laughing at a story about Kenny G, DingDong, and a mermaid. The next, you’re holding your breath as he reflects on his late father’s unspoken support, observing how he collects every one of Jenhan’s show posters, bragging at the market, and standing quietly but firmly behind his son’s dreams.

It’s this emotional roller coaster of laughter and poignancy that makes the show so compelling. Whether he’s talking about family nicknames, office romances, or the weight of parental expectations, Jenhan is going beyond just telling jokes to paint entire scenes, inviting us into his world, and asking us to feel alongside him.

Originally drafted in 2013, Like This, Like Dad is the product of over a decade of reflection. It’s a tribute to a father whose love was felt more than spoken, and to the legacy he left behind (including, hilariously, the world’s smallest bonsai tree). Jenhan shows us that behind every laugh is a memory, and behind every memory, a beating heart.

Like This, Like Dad is a comedy show that celebrates fathers, families, and the complicated beauty of growing up. It’s a reminder to treasure the present, to laugh through the pain. In the end, the message is simple but profound: “I am like this, because you are like that.” It’s a line that lands with unexpected weight and tenderness, encapsulating the theme of the entire evening, and reminding us to say “I love you” while we still can.

Photo Credit: ASHOK

Kuah Jenhan: Like This, Like Dad played at the Ngee Ann Kongsi Theatre @ Wild Rice from 18th to 20th July 2025. More information available here