Recap | Stand-up comedy stars from Hong Kong and beyond, from Phil Wang and Paul Ogata to Jami Gong
Explore the career trajectories of comedians Ben Quinlan, Paul Ogata, Jami Gong, Vivek Mahbubani and Phil Wang, and delve into Hong Kong’s vibrant stand-up scene
Dive into Hong Kong’s vibrant comedy scene as we follow the journeys of six comedians, including Ben Quinlan’s leap from Deutsche Bank to the stage, Paul Ogata’s path from Beatles fan to stand-up star and Jami Gong’s pioneering club.
Vivek Mahbubani found bilingual success, British-Malaysian Phil Wang bagged a heritage-infused Netflix special and even a South China Morning Post editor made his debut on the comedy stage.
1. From investment banker to stand-up star, how Ben Quinlan made the leap from Deutsche Bank to Hong Kong’s comedy scene
Former investment banker Ben Quinlan, son of a Hong Kong music legend, transitioned to comedy after turning his back on the corporate world. Learn why the transition from corporate strategist to comedian was both terrifying and addictive.
2. From Beatles fan to stand-up sensation, Paul Ogata on how Robin Williams, Andy Bumatai inspired his rise
American comedian Paul Ogata grew up in Hawaii and became a successful stand-up comic influenced by Robin Williams and local legend Andy Bumatai. From managing a gay nightclub to hosting morning radio, Ogata’s journey led him to Los Angeles and a thriving career, with Hong Kong becoming his second home.
3. Jami Gong on founding Asia’s first full-time comedy club, TakeOut Comedy, on overcoming 9/11 and how his dead grandmother inspired him
Jami Gong grew up in New York’s Chinatown and later established a comedy scene in Hong Kong. Driven by his grandmother’s passing, he combined his love for comedy and community to create a hub for emerging talent and international acts.
4. Vivek Mahbubani mastered Cantonese and English stand-up comedy to be crowned Hong Kong’s funniest comedian
From his multicultural upbringing to winning comedy competitions, Vivek Mahbubani’s rise on the international comedy circuit highlights the blend of humour unique to a city that thrives on laughter to ease its chaotic pace.
5. British-Malaysian comic Phil Wang’s heritage fuels Netflix special ‘Wang in There, Baby!’
Known for his sharp wit, relatable observations and unique perspective, Phil Wang shares his journey from school performances in Bath, England, to his latest Netflix special, Wang in There, Baby! His unique background and engineering education at Cambridge University shaped a stand-up career that relies on material blending humour and cultural insights.
6. Inside Hong Kong’s stand-up comedy scene, the SCMP’s John Carney takes lessons from Andy Curtain, Vivek Mahbubani and Ben Quinlan before taking the stage
Explore Hong Kong’s burgeoning stand-up comedy scene through the eyes of a South China Morning Post editor as he boldly takes the stage for the first time. Comedians Curtain, Mahbubani and Quinlan share with him insights on crafting laughs, embracing humiliation and finding the courage to pursue comedy.
Part of this article was produced with the assistance of generative AI.
