After captivating audiences with his past two performances, Malaysian comedian Kavin Jay is set to return to Beijing this weekend (June 27 and 28) for another evening of sharp insights, chaotic storytelling, and the kind of hilarious moments that blend the outrageous with the sincere.
With nearly two decades of stand-up experience, Jay has graced the Edinburgh Fringe, toured internationally, and even landed his own Netflix special, Everybody Calm Down!. Before his upcoming performances, we chatted with him about his favorite memories from Beijing, his activities since his last visit, and what audiences can anticipate from his latest shows in the capital.
This marks your third performance in Beijing. How does it feel to be back?
Honestly, it’s such a thrill. Returning to Beijing feels like reconnecting with that friend who always leads you into wild adventures and nearly gets you into trouble, but it’s always worth it. The vibes have been fantastic, and I’m really grateful I haven’t been banned yet. Let’s keep that streak going!
You last took the stage in Beijing in April 2024. What have you been up to in the past year? Any new exciting updates?
It’s been quite a journey! I’ve toured Europe, attended comedy festivals in Melbourne and Sydney, and performed throughout Asia. No Netflix royalties to boast about yet, but I’ve been working on shows, strengthening my skills, and occasionally rebuilding my ego after a heckle or two. Recently, my show at the Edinburgh Fringe was recorded, so now my mistakes have a streaming deal before I do!
What did you enjoy the most about your shows last year?
The crowds in Beijing, without a doubt. They’re electric – warm, lively in the best way, and eager to follow me on any strange tangent I take. I remember thinking mid-show, “Wait, am I killing it ... or is it just the hotpot sweat?” But seriously, the energy was incredible. It’s magical to perform comedy in a city with a language, culture, and history so distinct from my own and still get laughs.
What can the audience expect from your Beijing shows this time?
A fresh set, sharp observations, and probably a few mispronounced Chinese words I’ll regret on the spot. The show is honest, a little chaotic, and guaranteed to make at least one person say, “He did not just say that!” Spoiler: I did.
How do you think audiences in Beijing differ from those in other cities or countries?
Beijing crowds are wonderfully raucous, but in a generous way – they come to have a good time. Unlike places where audiences sit like they’re watching a TED Talk, waiting to be convinced, the people here show up ready to laugh. It’s like performing for your funniest relatives who may have had one too many drinks: loud, supportive, and slightly unpredictable. I love it.
Do you have a favorite “China story” you like to share onstage when performing here?
Oh, definitely. There was one time when fellow comedian Donnie Fan offered me a ride on his scooter. I thought, “Cool, this will be relaxed.” Cut to: me clinging on for dear life like a chunky koala as he zipped through Beijing traffic like he was racing for the Fast & Furious auditions. The trauma lingers – and so does the memory. Mostly the trauma.
Much of your material addresses cultural misunderstandings and everyday frustrations. How do you navigate the line between funny and offensive?
For me, comedy reflects society but doesn’t need to hurt people in the process. We all have boundaries. I aim to punch up, not down. If someone in power is roasted, great. But if it’s at the expense of someone vulnerable, that’s no longer comedy – it’s just cruelty with a mic.
Having performed stand-up for nearly two decades, what changes have you seen in the Asian comedy scene since you began?
When I started, "Asian comedy" didn’t even exist. We had gigs in random bars with tiny audiences – usually one confused patron and one drunk person. Now? Comedy is thriving. There are clubs, festivals, and audiences who understand the art. The variety of voices, stories, and platforms has increased significantly. The scene has evolved from niche to essential – and I love watching it flourish.
Aside from comedy, what are you looking forward to experiencing (or eating) during your time in Beijing?
I NEED to try that donkey burger. I missed it last time, and it’s been haunting me ever since. I’m also excited to eat as if I’m in a food documentary – dumplings, hotpot, anything on a stick. I’ll pretend to be sightseeing, but really, I’m just chasing snacks.
Kavin Jay will perform at GREEN BOX, Nanyang Theater on Friday, June 27 at 7:30 PM and Saturday, June 28 at 7 PM and 9 PM. Early bird tickets range
One or two photographs of the Terra Cotta Warriors simply can't capture the essence of this incredible location, so I'm planning to create a blog showcasing all the images of the warriors—whether they are preserved, undergoing preservation, or the throngs of visitors. Our guide, Summer, mentioned that as many as 100,000 people visit the Warriors each day! It was incredibly crowded, but thankfully, the entire site has been air-conditioned since two years ago! Those who visited before that, particularly in the summer, can only recall the crowds, heat, and humidity! Nevertheless, it’s absolutely worth it, as the warriors are truly an astonishing "eighth wonder of the world."
Cones, cups, sticks, and tubs, oh my!
Today was my birthday, and our plans changed, likely due to the weather, so we decided to postpone our visit to the Terra Cotta Warriors until tomorrow. The weather was sunny and fairly warm, with temperatures in the 90s, but it was relatively dry. We began our day around 9 am and visited the Xi'an City Walls, which are known to be among the best-preserved city walls in China. They were enormous and quite impressive, with options to rent bikes for a seemingly endless ride! We managed to walk about 2 km of the total 15 or 16 km, leaving much more to explore.
Tuesday, June 24th marked our final full day in Xi'an. We began our day at 8:30 under cloudy skies that brought the temperatures down to the high 70s, accompanied by a lovely breeze that was truly refreshing. Our first destination was a half-day visit to the Terra Cotta Warriors. I have shared a separate blog featuring only photos from that visit, so here I'll just mention that it was an incredible experience and encourage you to check out that blog!
Kavin Jay is set to perform in the capital on June 27 and 28.