They just might kiss

Local comedienne Patricia Mok has a fierce "warning" for secret admirers of YouTube personality-turned-actor Noah Yap.

It's not part of the script, but "you know, I might just kiss him spontaneously on stage", the actress said in an interview with M last week.

"Noah, you must be mentally prepared," she said. "I'm going to make your female fans very, very jealous."

On April 18, Yap, 21, and Mok, who is twice his age, will turn into Singapore theatre's oddest couple.

He reprises his role of boastful army recruit In Pin Man (nicknamed Ip Man) and she's the new addition as his loud, brassy J-pop-obsessed girlfriend Ayumi in Ah Boys To Men The Musical.

The musical production, slated for a one-week run at Resorts World Theatre at Resorts World Sentosa, is the stage adaptation of director Jack Neo's phenomenally successful Ah Boys To Men movies.

It follows the misadventures of NS recruits Ip Man, Ken Chow (Benjamin Kheng), Lobang (Wang Weiliang) and Wayang King (Maxi Lim) - under the watchful eye of Sergeant Ong (Tosh Zhang) - from the military noobs' enlistment day to their passing out parade.

Ip Man's girlfriend in the Ah Boys movies was originally played by 22-year-old getai singer Sherraine Law.

SMOOCHING ACTION

When this reporter asked the new pairing if audiences can expect smooching action, Mok exclaimed in mock-horror as Yap looked on with bemusement: "Of course we will kiss on the lips! If not, where else can I kiss?"

Though they have never worked together before this - Mok was not part of the original films - they clicked immediately.

"There are moments when we have to hold hands or I'd have to hold her waist, but it's all very natural," said Yap.

"It was a little weird in the beginning, because I was actually very honoured to be able to work with her.

"Pat is one of our comedy queens in Singapore, and as a kid growing up in the 90s, I watched her on Channel 8 variety show Comedy Night. I know that would make her feel old."

NO-HOLDS-BARRED

On the first day of rehearsals, Mok gave him a piece of advice in her usual no-holds-barred style.

"I told him that during intimate scenes, us female actresses can easily tell if our male co-stars are taking advantage of us or purely acting," said the bachelorette.

"So, which type am I?" asked Yap.

With a grin, Mok replied: "You are not the molesting type lah."

Their two-decade age gap was not immediately obvious, but became glaring to Mok after a casual chat with her onstage partner.

"Just the other day, I asked Noah, 'How old is your mother?' He said his mum is in her late 40s," she recalled.

"That was when it hit me that I could very well be his mother. He was extremely shocked when I told him I'm turning 43 this year."

Yap nodded. "Yah, I thought you said you were 33! Turns out I heard wrongly. Salah (Malay for mistake)."

Laughing, Mok added: "Now, I'm thinking how I should address Noah's mum when we meet. I don't think I should call her 'auntie'. Maybe I should call her 'jie' (Mandarin for older sister) instead."

TRANSFORMATION

Her transformation into 19-year-old Ayumi wasn't as difficult as one would imagine.

"My cosplay-inspired attire, exaggerated hair and make-up definitely eased me into the role," said Mok.

"Of course, it helps that I'm young at heart. I'm always talking to youngsters and observing the way they behave."

Just don't taunt her about her perennial state of singlehood, as you might incur her wrath.

"The other day, an old friend of mine found me on Facebook. He's married, and the first thing he asked me was, 'So are you married?'

"When he realised I wasn't, his reply was, 'Aiyoh, so old already still don't want to get married!'" said Mok.

"I was so angry. I scolded him, 'I'm not old, you are the one who's old.'"

FYI

WHAT: Ah Boys To Men The Musical

WHEN: April 18 to 27, 8pm and 3pm (Saturdays and Sundays)

WHERE: Resorts World Theatre, Resorts World Sentosa

TICKETS: $38 to $128 from Sistic (6348-5555 or www.sistic.com.sg)

This article was published on April 9 in The New Paper.

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