KUALA LUMPUR: Back by popular demand, standup comedy show Lawak Ke Der? 2016 continued to attract peals of laughter during its first-day staging at Panggung Sari, Istana Budaya last night.
One of key highlights of the full-house show was Afdlin Shauki's rendition of Robbie Williams' hit ‘Better Man’, whose lyrics the comedian/actor had changed to poke fun at his good friend Datuk Hans Isaac's bachelor status.
His lyrics went: "Walau mak cik cleaner, atau Miss Nigeria, hentam saja, sebelum benda tu tak boleh guna. (Even if it's the cleaner or Miss Nigeria, just go for it, before 'that thing' becomes obsolete.)"
In an interview after the show, Hans, who is also the show's director revealed: "That little devil! During sound check, he sang the song with the correct lyrics, so I didn't think anything was amiss.
"Then he told me he needed to go somewhere to write new lyrics. He wouldn't show it to me afterwards!
"I will make him change it back for the remaining shows, or else," he said, giving the comedian a playful glare.
Last night was the first of three nights of Lawak Ke Der? 2016. Produced by Tall Order Productions and now in its fifth year, Lawak Ke Der? 2016 will also be staged today (at 8.30pm) and tomorrow (3pm).
For the first show, Afdlin was joined by fellow top local comedy acts Harith Iskander, Bocey and Douglas Lim and they took turns to deliver hilarious punchlines and jokes that left the audience in stitches.
The comedians stayed true to their promise to present an entirely new set of jokes. They touched on relatable topics and sometimes took jabs on the local current issues.
Harith joked about how American horror films aren't as scary as Malaysia’s; Bocey, a comedic trio, performed a skit involving an invisible car; Lim corrected those people who call him Dollah Slim; while Afdlin "helped promote" Hans to the single women in the audience.
Meanwhile, Sherry Al-Hadad and Nabil Ahmad who played hosts for the show, also showed off their comedic skills through their crazy banters.
Unlike in previous years, it features a different lineup of comedians, gags and surprises each day.
While Afdlin, Harith and Lim will perform on all three days, Rayza Mukmin will replace Bocey in the show today while tomorrow will see Lawak Ke Der? newcomers Jihan Muse and Syuk Balas take the stage.
Hans explained on the new format: "I'd like to mix things up for those who come to see Lawak Ke Der? every year. Maybe they wouldn't want to see the same acts every time."
Hans is thankful that Lawak Ke Der? has become a household brand, and that its productions have gone smoothly so far.
"As for this year's show, we will have to check the content first before we decide to air it on TV."
Tickets are priced between RM88 to RM188, via www.airasiaredtix.com. Those interested can also buy the tickets via WhatsApp. Call 03-4253 2241 to find out more.