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Phil Wang, 34, hails from Stoke-on-Trent, where he was born to an English mother and a Chinese-Malaysian father. His formative years were spent in Malaysia before relocating with his family to Bath during his adolescence. Wang pursued his education in engineering at Cambridge University, where he took on the role of president for the Footlights drama club. His comedic journey began young; at age 20, he garnered recognition in the form of two student comedy awards. His television credits include appearances on Taskmaster and Have I Got News for You, and more recently, he showcased his acting talent in Wonka and the upcoming 3 Body Problem. Next month, he is set to release his second Netflix standup special.
What’s with the new moustache?
It’s an element of experimentation. My girlfriend encouraged me to grow one since it aligns with her aesthetic preferences. She inspires much of this look. I’ve even integrated jokes about it into my standup routine, so for now, it’s here to stay.
Are you excited about your standup special, Wang in There Baby!, arriving on Netflix?
Absolutely. It’s particularly satisfying because my previous special, Philly Philly Wang Wang, was impacted by the pandemic. The last show felt like it was about uproarious confusion due to COVID, while this one is a return to normality. The exclamation mark in the title adds a vibrancy, reminiscent of energetic titles like Oklahoma!, which sets a lively tone even before the performance begins.
Filming at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse at Shakespeare’s Globe must have been special. How was that experience?
It was a remarkable venue. Known as the only entirely candlelit performance space in London, it exudes beauty. I previously attended a production of Hamlet there, and the atmosphere was striking. Its cozy environment makes it an excellent fit for comedy, especially as audiences increasingly consume performances on intimate platforms like their phones. The combination of wooden architecture and flickering candlelight creates a unique ambiance, evoking the building’s history, particularly considering its past fire.
Did you feel any self-consciousness performing risqué jokes at such a prestigious venue?
A touch, but I remind myself that Shakespeare himself included many crude jests in his work. I’d like to believe I’m carrying on that time-honored tradition.
As an influential figure for Eurasian communities, how does that visibility resonate with you?
I take great pride in that. I regularly receive messages from individuals who relate to my story, particularly regarding my book, Sidesplitter: How to Be from Two Worlds At Once. Many express that I was their first encounter with an East Asian comedian on television. Thankfully, that trend is changing, as a vibrant array of East Asian talent has emerged in the last five years.
Why do you think there’s been a shift in representation?
Audiences’ tastes have evolved, and the comedy scene tends to mirror these shifts. Cultural phenomena like K-pop, Squid Game, Parasite, and Everything Everywhere All at Once have paved the way for broader acceptance. The increased visibility of East Asian talent in various entertainment sectors makes it more commonplace to see them in standup. This evolving perception is part of a larger trend, which I refer to as “cool bleed.” Food trends also play a role; the burgeoning popularity of Thai, Vietnamese, Korean, and Malaysian cuisine in the UK enriches the cultural lexicon and allows East Asian comedians to reference shared experiences, making their performances more relatable.
Does being a part of the Cambridge Footlights carry more weight or stigma in today’s comedy landscape?
It’s a mixed bag. While the experience and prestige it offers are beneficial, there’s also a tendency for some to roll their eyes at the association. However, the rise of social media and streaming platforms has democratized comedy, allowing diverse voices to be heard, regardless of their backgrounds.
What kind of material inspires you currently?
I’m drawn to light-hearted humor. There’s a resurgence of silliness—comedy became rather serious during the Golden age of political turmoil. I theorize that when politics veers into absurdity, comedy often embraces seriousness. Conversely, now that the climate appears a bit steadier, especially in the UK, there’s space to simply focus on humor without the weight of political dialogue.
You recently stepped in as a host for Have I Got News for You on short notice. How did that experience unfold?
I received the offer just the night before while enjoying a drink at the pub. The original host, Amol Rajan, had to bow out due to restrictions, and I leapt at the chance. I even joked during the recording that I must be among the few under 60 who has personally benefitted from Rishi Sunak’s premiership. It was exhilarating, considering how long I’ve been watching the show, thanks to my mother, making this opportunity feel surreal. Hosting takes it up a notch from simply being a panel member.
What’s your take on the current Labour government?
I find it refreshingly dull, which is exactly what I desired. It’s unusual not to experience daily political turmoil. The thought of Kamala Harris stepping in would mean both sides of the Atlantic governed by lawyers, leading to an era of stability.
What did it feel like to make your film debut in Wonka, especially with your injury?
I was on set for my first ever film role and had to perform a tap dance on a table. After a few takes, it collapsed, and I fell dramatically. As I remember, time slowed, and I was acutely aware of how embarrassing it was with Timothée Chalamet close by when I hit the ground hard. The next day, my inability to move my arm prompted a quick Zoom call with my mother, a rheumatologist, who immediately diagnosed my radial head fracture. It was a surreal moment to be in pain while Willy Wonka in full costume showed concern.
What are your thoughts on your iconic jumpsuit from Taskmaster?
I view it as a sincere tribute to Bruce Lee. The reality of the bulge made itself known after the fact. My fellow contestants had a good laugh, and I learned about the nature of shame. If you watch the team tasks, I was visibly trying to cover up, but I have no regrets, even if some shots have been cropped in the family-friendly versions of the show.
As a fan of Succession, what do you find yourself watching now?
My girlfriend has encouraged me to watch Sex and the City. While the films leave much to be desired, the original series holds genuine comedic value with excellent performances.
Which character resonates with you the most?
That’s a great question. I definitely don’t see myself in Carrie and certainly not in Samantha. I share some traits with Charlotte, but her prudishness doesn’t quite align with me. I suppose I most closely identify with Miranda.
You frequently engage people in ranking carbohydrates. What’s your own list?
It’s become a fun ice-breaker; people initially dismiss it as trivial until they get involved. My top choices are rice and noodles, although the ranking flips regularly. I’ve just acquired a sophisticated rice cooker, so rice is at the top, followed by noodles, pasta, bread, and potatoes. I believe those two inquiries can reveal much about a person: which Sex and the City character they are and their carbohydrate preference.
What’s next for you?
I am set to host Unspeakable, a Radio 4 program centered on the exploration of language, alongside Susie Dent. Additionally, I am busy crafting new standup pieces and script ideas. I dream of creating a comedy show focused on art, and, of course, continuing to develop my moustache—my most crucial project.
Phil Wang’s standup special, Wang in There Baby!, will be available for streaming globally on Netflix starting September 3.
Source
www.theguardian.com