Douglas Lim has triumphantly returned to Melbourne for the sixth time in his career to kickstart his 2024 Australian tour titled ‘Made In Malaysia’.
While I have seen Douglas Lim perform comedy before back in 2023 at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, his appearance then was part of an Asian comedy showcase. I had never seen him headline his own show… until now.
The reason I was interested in seeing Douglas Lim’s headline show originally sparked from watching him perform on TV at the 2019 Melbourne International Comedy Festival Gala. His brief stint at the event made me laugh until my face hurt, and since then, I’ve always wanted to see how the Malaysian comedian would fare in a full set of comedy.
Although not necessarily made in Malaysia myself, I am half Malaysian Chinese (on my father’s side) and had spent a year studying in Malaysia at an international school during my childhood. So, I felt that Douglas Lim’s humour would be right up my alley.
Holding nothing back, Douglas Lim’s Made In Malaysia is a fearlessly executed and cleverly written show that dives deep into Douglas’ pride and love for being ‘made in Malaysia’, Chinese, and his unique observations of the rest of the world in comparison. From K-Pop, Coldplay and music festivals to politics, chicken rice and mathematics, nothing is sacred under Douglas’ gaze and he has something to say about all of it.
A pleasant people pleaser, Douglas Lim’s evening began with technical delays which turned into an endearing impromptu meet and greet, where a brave lucky few that dashed to the front managed to take selfies with him in perfect lighting. All while the venue crew tinkered. There was Douglas Lim, already displaying his unrivalled professionalism and the set hadn’t even started yet!
Once his comedy set began, what we witnessed was a masterful and heartfelt performance filled with interesting, hilarious and entertaining tales, all delivered with Douglas’ approachable and irresistible charm.
Douglas Lim feels like your favourite Chinese uncle that you love hanging around with because he always has something fun and new to say. Every topic that Douglas addresses is done with sincerity, and it’s humorous yet thought provoking at the same time. There aren’t many comedians out there that can successfully serve intelligent comedy while remaining likable, but Douglas Lim is one of them and can.
Douglas even held a post-show meet and greet for patrons who weren’t quick enough to run in for a well-lit selfie beforehand. As talented as he is gracious and kind, I wouldn’t be surprised if he is still there while I’m typing this.
In an overdue victory lap of Australia, here to show you that he is the true Malaysian King of Comedy, Douglas Lim effortlessly had his Melbourne audience elated and cackling. Made In Malaysia is a true comedy masterclass worthy of your attention. You don’t even have to be from Malaysia to appreciate his style of comedy, but it helps. This is one comedy tour you would be mad to miss.
Proudly presented by BOHM Presents, Douglas Lim performed Made In Malaysia at Melbourne’s Capitol Theatre on Sunday the 1st of September and will head to Sydney’s Concourse Theatre on September 4, then Brisbane’s Concourse Theatre on September 5, concluding at the Rechabite on September 8 in Perth.
For more information and ticketing, visit:
https://www.bohmpresents.com/current-events/show/douglas-lim
https://www.douglaslim.com
https://www.instagram.com/thedouglaslim