For the millenials or the Gen Z-ers, Boom Boom Room (it starts showing tomorrow till 19th December) first started showing in 1992 in New Bugis Street and because it fought against the sterility and seriousness of Singapore, opened exactly on National Day. While it initially just had Kumar shooting off sanitised jokes (the police were after all, aiming to shut it down), it started becoming a cultural icon once Kumar realised that the audience were more receptive to jokes that were as biting as they were salacious, provocative as they were thought-provoking.
Here, Kumar takes us through the 2021 edition of Boom Boom Room and yes, there’s still the lip-synching, stand up comedy and new to the act, acrobats, dancers and even a mentalist.
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Hello Kumar, just out of curiousity, can you remember the last fabulous thing you’ve done?
Performing stand up comedy at the Marina Bay Sands in September!
What was it like performing at the Boom Boom Room when it was around? Was it perhaps, less-censored?
It was hard work because there’s no short cut to life with so many negativeness, policing and the fact that we had to work against all odds like self-censorship. Back then, there was no such thing as cabaret and people thought we are all hostesses. Unfortunately, there was no book back then that we could follow so we made our own rules like no talking of politics, sex or religion. Our performance had to be PG (example, where we touched the dancers) and very Disney-like. There were a lot of problems because nobody knew where to start or where to stop or even how to make jokes.
Some fine lines included things like not being able to cross dress but you could still wear a dress. We also had to bring out topics like Liberace, Elton John, Madonna for the audience who were an older generation and could understand them. Bear in mind that even Madonna back then was toeing the line of genders.
Everyday was a challenge for us because the police would walk in anytime and shut it down. But it was working so well so why would we shut it down? Eventually, they stopped coming because there were no complaints from Singaporeans because they enjoyed doing naughty things at night.
What kind of rules exactly, did you have to make?
We don’t talk about politics, races and religion because we were careful about our words. No vulgarities, too! We also refrained from a lot of touching because of sexual innuendos but eventually, we didn’t care. The audience realised it was a form of art and not a porn show because I wanted to put drag queens on a higher pedestal where we could do a decent job and earn a living. It was risky but people were curious enough to come.
What do you think about the 2021 edition of the Boom Boom Room then. What do you think is different or if I may, what does it do even better?
Theres nothing different to be honest except the fact that it has international acts. I feel like after seeing America’s or Britain’s Got Talent, both countries have already raised the bar. These international acts add a bit of flavour.
From left to right: Helda, Nat Ho, Kumar, Vanda Miss Joaquim, Tiara Sorrel, Lysa and Anna Stacia
If you think of a cabaret show like perhaps, cooking a dish. What are some elements or “ingredients” that are necessary?
The person who holds the court is the most important. Outfits have got to be fantastic, fabulous and eye catching. Everybody needs to be happy because if the whole cast is happy, the performance will be good. I would like a relationship with everyone for the show and for them to = doing their own good happily because it produces good energy on set.
I want it to be clear that we all make an effort to work like a family. Even if you’re doing your own item, you should be proud that you’re representing a family.
Creative Director Dick Lee introduces Boom Boom Room
What have you learnt from the younger drag queens and what do you think you’ve taught them?
I think I’ve paved the way because it’s easier for all of these young drag queens to perform. I’ve learnt makeup skills from them though and I’ve even seen boys doing unbelievable makeup on TikTok. I didn’t use these techniques on myself but I’ve learnt that contouring is very important. You can cheat with a lot of your features.
Did you perhaps, wanted to have a go at trying the acrobatic acts featured in the Boom Boom Room?
Of course but I don’t think it’ll be allowed. It’s a church secret from them!
Could you perhaps…sneak us a joke?
I can’t but I’ll be doing current affair jokes like the Singapore and KL VTL because we can finally go on 29th of November.
Lastly, out of curiousity, what’s the #1 song on your Spotify this year?
Adele — Easy On Me.
Once you’re done with this interview with Kumar about Boom Boom Room, click here to cop tickets or click here to catch up with our November 2021 issue.
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