Every Ting or No Ting
Hot from her run on the Australian festival circuit, stand-up comedian, Ting Lim, brings her solo show Every Ting or No Ting to the Byron Comedy Festival in June. Seven caught up with Lim to find out just why she is so funny…
Tell me in one sentence who you are?
I am Ting Lim, a Brisbane-based comic from Singapore with humour as dry as a shrivelled-up raisin.
What are the key themes of Every Ting or No Ting?
It is about the struggles I faced when I first immigrated here, hilarious stuff that happened along the way, and learning more about who I really am. It is a story about my life and my takeaways from it.
What made you leave Singapore? How did that decision change the course of your life?
I reveal this in the show. You will have to come and see it to find out!
What does your mum think of what you do?
My mum thinks I am either a clown or a motivational speaker. She doesn’t really get what I do as stand-up comedy did not exist when my mum was growing up.
Why become a stand-up comedian? What would you have done if you never found that pathway?
I love stand-up comedy for its honesty and rawness. This really attracted me because I grew up in a time in Singapore where a lot of things were censored and there were certain unspoken expectations placed on women to be submissive and agreeable.
I think, if I did not find stand-up, I would probably be working really hard to stay in a job.
What do you love about being a stand-up comic?
The lack of stable income. I think that is probably my favourite part.
I love the excitement of trying a new joke and having it go well. And honestly, all the kind words and conversations that happen after a gig.
What is the weirdest thing anyone has you heckled you with?
I’ve had so many weird heckles over the years, it is really hard to pick a favourite. A heckle isn’t a good thing. It is like picking out your favourite STD.
The one that comes to mind was when a guy started lying on the floor during my set. Turns out the poor guy was having a heart attack. He was fine at the end.
Where do you get your inspiration – which comics did you look up to?
I enjoy Bill Burr for his cynicism and interesting angles he presents when arguing a point. I am a big fan of Dylan Moran for his lyrical jokes; he takes you on this hilarious journey that is totally made up, before ending it on a great punchline. I love Wanda Sykes – she is just straight up brutal, and funny at it.
What’s the most ‘Byron’ thing you have ever seen?
I don’t know enough about Byron to make that call. Maybe a fedora hat or Liam Hemsworth. Chris is too popular now.
What’s a perfect day for Ting Lim?
A sold out night for my show at the Byron Bay Comedy Festival! Haha. Nah, I am kidding. Probably just a day in the mountains with my dog, as long as she doesn’t harass everyone.
What should we expect from your show at Byron Comedy Fest?
To have a good time and to learn a bit about Singapore, Chinese characters, and having a perverted cat. It is an hour of yarns from my life and the lessons I’ve learned along the way.
Every Ting or No Ting is at Byron Comedy Festival at the beach side hub of the Surf Club on Saturday 3 June at 4pm.
Tix are $30 from byroncomedyfest.com
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