Blast from the Past - Ian Wright

It’s Alright, We’ll Invite Mr Wright

I’m lucky in my life to have watched so many British television programmes. Not being British of course means that sometimes, the oddball sense of humour, the dry wit, can simply escape me, but through the wonders of television, tiny people in a little box in our living room, an appreciation has grown of good humour, and an understanding of the British way of doing things. Odd ball is probably the key word, unexpected, random, and seemingly crass and crazy, the British do things differently. It is with that thought that a few weeks ago I headed down to Kuala Lumpur’s The Ship restaurant and theatre stage in Bukit Bintang to see one of Her Majesty’s finest, well, at least, more-well-known entertainers.

Having slipped quietly into Malaysia under a shrowd of secrecy (yes, I did know about it), and under strict instructions not to tell the media, for fear of Barry Manilow recordings being played over and over in my office, I kept my enthusiasm very quiet. But the excitement was too much.

Was it Camilia P-B? Well, some thought yes, but actually, it wasn’t. I somehow suspect Ol’ Prince Charlie wouldn’t be too keen on this Camilia; may get a bit of a shock at night time.

So, it wasn’t Camilia. Our distinguished Brit visitor was here, filming a new show, with none other than local Queen of comedy, Joanne Kam Poh Poh. So, you kind of get the gist of where this might be heading…

There I was, sitting in The Ship, waiting, and waiting, as the film crew set up, tested the sound, and the small crowd waited for the show to begin. Well, here is where the alcohol comes in, because a live show is nothing without a little liquid refreshment to help quench the thirst. And boy, after waiting for so long, did my thirst need quenching.  A rather large supply of Johnny Walker Black Label was available by the glass, and even by the bottle, for the eager audience.

We certainly needed it, because what was to come, was just sheer entertainment, but would never be believed without the aid of a few stiff drinks.

Here to film his new television show, Invite Mr Wright, was none other than the intrepid traveller himself, Ian Wright. Going around the region, Ian is filming with one personality in each country, and following these personalities through their lives and adventures. Joanne was selected for Malaysia, and the stories I’ve heard over a late night drink or two, will certainly make for great TV.

Invite Mr Wright saw Ian performing at The Ship with not only Joanne, but her cousin, the temptress Bibi Kpoh and their troupe of multitalented dancers. So, with a couple of audience shifts (making the small crowd look big), the show was underway. A few dances, a vaguely familiar rendition of Lady Gaga’s Bad Romance (that song always cheers me up – but what’s with the trees Joanna?), Ian came on stage to try his hand at stand-up comedy.

Hmmn… just so grateful that he’s a nice person, and that there were no tomatoes or eggs with the audience members. Not criticising, because I certainly wouldn’t get up there, but he was bad! Local comedian, Quah Jen Han, who was in the audience had to get up a little later and show him how it was really done, followed by a quirky routine by the ever funny Joanne. The day was saved.

We were also lucky enough to be treated to a pole dancing competition, where a good friend of mine (sorry Richard Tan) got up and tried his hand at the pole. Better stick with the day job Richard. Although, the other contestants did surprise us with quite a limber performance, and our two dancers certainly showed Jen Han a thing or two.

But hey, we came here to see Ian, to meet Ian, and to have the chance to talk with Ian. That, we certainly got. Towards the end of the show, Ian came out and did a Q & A with the audience; anything we wanted to know about Ian Wright and what he does, where he’s been, etc. A good range of questions, and you soon got to see just how down to earth and approachable this guy really was, telling stories of places he’s been and people he’s meet.

The piece-de-resistance though was the couple of hours Mr Wright spent just drinking with the crowd, chatting with everyone. Funny really, he asked us just as many questions as we asked him. Very personable, approachable, and genuinely easy to converse with are what I would say about our intrepid traveller – a real experience just to share a whiskey with this guy.

And I tell you, keep your eyes out on TV early next year, because what I didn’t tell you is, why we all thought it was Camilia P-B!

Posing right with Mr Wright

An academic at heart, Craig abandoned educating graduates-to-be, only to find himself coaching entrepreneurs instead. Passionate, competent and dedicated at his career as a business consultant, Craig is adept at writing, and solving the most complex of situations. Having joined the industry for more than ten years, Craig, as the current Managing Director at Orchan Consulting Asia, splits his time between providing compelling consultancy, and brainwashing interns into professional food-delivery staff.