Suhaimi Yusof Talks About His ‘Terror’ Teachers

When your teacher's known as "The Torture Chamber", you'd better do your homework

Photos: Dream Academy

When I caught comedian Suhaimi Yusof before his daily routine, I wasn't expecting a morning kopi chat. Yet there I was, with the boisterous actor and some coffee, listening to his 'horror' stories about growing up as an introvert in an all-boys' school.

The trigger? Suhaimi - most known for portraying flamboyant reporter Jojo Joget on "The Noose" - has taken on his first musical role as a teacher. "Detention Katong" will show from 17 Feb to 5 Mar at the Esplanade Theatre.

Here are Suhaimi's takeaways from the school of life.

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At what point did you realise you wanted to act?

I was a very timid and shy person, but in Secondary 3, my teacher volunteered me as the person-in-charge of our Teachers’ Day celebrations. I thought I’d received a death sentence.

I planned to impersonate Michael Jackson and talk about the inspiration behind “Thriller”. But I panicked and forgot my line. Instead, the cemetery beside our school caught my eye, so I pointed there and blurted out, “I did it for those people down there.” [Laughs]

The whole hall burst into laughter and that was my lightbulb moment. I discovered that I could make people laugh! That gave birth to my spontaneity and I began using comedy to break the ice.

How did your parents react to your decision?

At first my father urged me to sign on with the Army, since I’d already had a foothold as an Officer. But he understood that he couldn’t force me, especially since I could rationalise my choice, so he just told me to make sure I do it well.

For my mother, as long as I get money, give some to them and go get married, she everything okay. [Laughs]

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“Detention Katong” will show from 17 Feb – 5 Mar at the Esplanade Theatre. Tickets are available here.