Jin Hao Li: ‘When you’re a child, anything you imagine is correct, especially the nonsensical stuff’

Renowned for a curious mix of childlike wonder and incisive cultural commentary, Jin Hao Li is Melbourne-bound for his Melbourne International Comedy Festival debut, performing his hour-long show Swimming in a Submarine.

 In the show, Li immerses his audiences in the universes of three bizarre dreamscapes where he’s a plastic bag looking for a life at the supermarket, a spider knocked back by a racist bouncer at a nightclub and an anglerfish all out of light. Ahead of his debut, he has some things to say about kangaroos, plane routines, and bombing on stage.

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What’s an example of a tourist experience you’re most interested to have in Australia?

I would love to see a kangaroo. I cannot believe they have pouches and they punch. That’s two things. Most animals only have one gimmick. Giraffe has long neck and fish swim. These roos are punching people, then keeping the gloves back in themselves.

What sort of things do you expect to do in the time you have on your flight to Australia?

I’m gonna browse my Instagram @jin.hao.li. The miracle of flight is not lost on me. I’m savouring each second by doing the most mundane things. I’m getting apple juice and I’m going to the bathroom. I’m staying awake and listening to the snores blend into a symphony, like a father at a sleepover. I’ll record the snores to listen back when I land, feeling grateful I’m no longer in the air.

To what extent do you tailor your material when you perform in different countries?

I speak a bit more Singlish when I’m back home in Singapore. I do think the audience will naturally change the show in ways I haven’t predicted, so I’m very excited about that. 

What would you tell someone thinking about seeing your show, to speed up their decision?

Hurry up!! Hurry up dude! What is wrong with you?!???

What does the title of your show mean to you?

Hehehe that’s a secret. Actually I’ll tell you. LOL. When you’re a child, anything you imagine is correct, especially the nonsensical stuff.

Your show has been described as “soft surrealism meets the autobiographical standup of a man who went from the Singaporean army to an English degree at St Andrews uni.” How apt does that sound to you?

What the heck is soft surrealism? I’m tough as nails and straight to the point. Don’t ever describe the show again. Maybe draw the show, yeah. I want reviewers to come in with an easel.

What’s an example of an event or experience you had that sparked inspiration for your show?

I went to see Tyler, The Creator at Wireless Festival, and he has a song RUNITUP, which is my favorite song, and it forced me to pursue my dreams.

What’s something you remember especially vividly about writing your show?

I remember going to the art store to buy paper. I like to take myself super seriously. I dislike the aesthetic of the relaxed comedian. Be stressed. I also remember spending lots of time deciding on the font on the Google Doc.

Comparing yourself as a comedian today versus your first year in comedy, what’s one of the major differences you see in yourself?

My first year I was very into soft drinks and now I’m on juice. I’m a bit more fearless I think. I’ve learned that bombing is fine. Nothing bad happens.

What are some discoveries you have made about performing your show that have affected your approach to performing it?

I realised that I should make more noises during the show. Right now it’s very word-dependent, but people really enjoy it when I make a silly noise.

What expectations do you have for the festival?

Webster’s Dictionary defines expectations as a strong belief that something will happen or be the case. And Oxford Dictionary defines expectations as the act or state of expecting. Which is more correct? You choose.

After MICF, what else is on the horizon for 2025?

The sun, as always.

See Jin Hao Li perform from March 27 to April 18 as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Grab tickets here.