How did the idea for the play come about?
It was inspired by Malaysia’s mega-projects: Petronas Twin Towers, Multimedia Super Corridor, Bakun Dam and bizarre things like the World’s Biggest Ketupat. It was an interesting kind of national hubris that was developing. So I thought to myself, what would be the most mega of national mega-projects? Nuclear weapons, of course!

Do you enjoy taking pot shots at real world issues?
All playwrights work from real life to some extent. My early work dealt quite a bit with society and politics, but my recent work has explored a more interior landscape. Atomic Jaya captures the joyful madcap energy of a certain period of the country and my life.

Are Malaysian authorities OK with the idea?
Absolutely. It was written with a lot of love, and it fundamentally celebrates Malaysian-ness in all its hilarious and crazy forms.

What do you think Singapore would do if Malaysia decided to build the A-bomb?
It’s really not likely to happen, seeing as Malaysia did sign the International Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty more than 40 years ago. But if it did, I’m sure the behind-the-scenes diplomacy would kick into full swing. Again, a series of good meals might sort things out.

How would you describe the differences between a typical Malaysian and a Singaporean?
Singaporeans are a little more punctual, and a little more private. If Singapore was building an atomic bomb, they’d have finished it already, and we wouldn’t know about it.

Do you think the two countries might merge one day?
I don’t think an outright political merger is likely, but greater cooperation and openness would be great. Gastronomically, we would rule the world together.

Atomic Jaya is on Oct 24-Nov 1, 8pm. SOTA Drama Theatre, School of the Arts Singapore, 1 Zubir Said Dr., 6594-8411. $40-$65 from Sistic.

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How did you conceptualize your work?
I don't know. Even if I did I would think very carefully before sharing it. I prefer the audience not to have ideas in their head before seeing the work. For me, watching contemporary dance is not always about understanding, it is about having an experience, and I wouldn't want to take away from that.

Some of the most nastiest injuries you’ve encountered in dance?
I was dropped during a lift once; it took me a long time to rehabilitate. Strangely, partnering is still probably my favorite component of dance. 

What’s the most surprising gift you’ve received as a performer?
Besides the usual chocolate and flowers, I have been blessed to experience the rare surprise hug from audience members I don't know who are moved by the performance. 

Can local choreographers flourish in this Singaporean landscape?
If an artist is given the tools he or she requires to craft the work and enjoys the process, it is enough for any artist anywhere anytime.

What are some of the principles you live by in dance?
Not to take things too seriously and also not to be quick to judge. What I may not like today, may be beautiful to me tomorrow.

That one ultimate stage venue you’re willing to do anything to perform at?
This place does not exist for me. A small room is of equal artistic value to a large theatre, they each offer different qualities.

If not for dance, what would you be doing for a living?
When I was younger I wanted to be a doctor like my parents and as I was quite a nerd, it was all going rather well until I discovered dance, and then of course everything else went out of the window.

Your warm-up ritual before a performance?
I don't have a particular aesthetic that I always work with, so I warm up to put my body and mind in the right state for the particular work. I warm up so that my body is ready to go anywhere and my mind is ready to change with it.

Passages Contemporary Season performs from Nov 1-3, 3pm and 7:30pm. Gallery Theatre, National Museum of Singapore, 93 Stamford Rd., 6332-3659. $25 from Sistic.

Are footballers overpaid these days?
Definitely a lot of people would say that the football players are overpaid these days. However, football is ultimately a global game and footballers do have a short career span.

How has the English Premier League changed in the past decade or so?
The premier league has changed in a few ways. I think the game is quicker, the players are true athletes and the media coverage is huge. I'm not sure if all these have made the league any better but it is still the most exciting league in the world.

Has technology dampened the spirit of the game in any way?
No, I don't think technology has ruined the game at all. The game is still hugely entertaining and captivating for millions of people.

Do you get more criticism now as a football pundit?
No, I don't really get criticism as a pundit. Everyone’s very friendly.

What was the least memorable moment in your career?
Probably the worst thing that happened was my knee injury at Leeds that put me out for a year.

On the flipside, what’s the highest point in your footballing career?
I had a few high points so it's hard to pick one out. The Cup Winners Cup final was amazing as was my hat-trick at arsenal.  Another moment was winning the title for the first time and my first England cap. To be a part of a great winning team was awesome.

To you, why is football the most beautiful game in the world?
Football is a great game, both to watch and be a part of.  It brings people together and bonds people as fans. The dressing room is an amazing place to be, and playing it tests you in every department – whether mentally or physically. You really have to be part of the team.

How are you keeping fit these days?
[Chuckling] I am planning on a new exercise routine. It’s not enough for keeping fit but I’m playing lots of golf which is a bit of an obsession.

What do you think of clubs such as Manchester City, Chelsea and so on that are washed with money?
The clubs that bring lots of money to the table are just creating new challenges. It proves after last season that it doesn't necessarily buy you success but it certainly helps. You still need a top manager and a group of players that bond and play well together.

What are you most looking forward to about playing in the masters football sixes?
I'm looking forward to meeting up with my old mates and playing competitive football. No matter how old and fat we are we all still having that 'want to win' mentality.

How do you think these kind of tournaments help build interest in the game?
These tournaments are great for fans to meet some of their favorite players and for the clubs to build relationships. Like I said before, it's a global game and fans and clubs need tournaments like this one to keep growing and prosper.

Catch Lee Sharpe and other footballing legends in the IG MastersFootball 6's Singapore Cup happening on October 20 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. Purchase your tickets on SISTIC.

How did you get remotely interested in the sport?
I chanced upon a DVD at the night market and wondering what this Brazilian jujitsu was all about. I also watched the World Wrestling Federation with my dad and it all came together after that.

Any fears before entering the ring?
By training hard, I don’t’ worry about getting injured. I have a gameplan such as keeping the opponent away and ensuring my guards are up. These days, I think more about my fight strategy and calming myself down. So there are different phases of thought. I haven’t suffered any major injuries except for the whiplash that prevented me from debuting last year.

Do you prefer sizing up your opponent first or just focusing on yourself?
I have no preference. He’s only human. I know he’s trying to kill me but I’ll just focus on what I’m going to do to him.

How's your diet?
I’m currently doing a paleo diet—mimicking how a caveman would eat. I try to eat unprocessed and raw food as it’s for my longevity as well.

The fightcard says you’re up against Alex Lim from Malaysia. What do you know about him?
He’s pretty experienced in striking, especially with his accolades in muay thai and boxing. I can expect him to throw punches at me and so he’s dangerous. But overall, I think I’ll win.

How's the fairer sex doing in the professional fighting scene?
In the scene, it's still like a baby. I know quite a lot of female fighters in Singapore and they’re just waiting for the opportunity to break through. I’ve wrestled with girls in my gym and they’re really technical with their approach. When it comes to fighting women, it’s different, they tend to go all out and their cardio levels are high whereas men are a little more cautious and reserved. We have good female fighters around the region as well and they tend to be good grapplers with wrestling or jujitsu backgrounds. 

Have you been getting a lot of attention from the ground?
I’ve been getting a lot of texts and messages on facebook from old friends who’re surprised at my status at the moment! That aside, I’m just trying to balance the time between training and the media coverage.

Are you single? Any weird overtures from your female fandom?
Yes I am. Well so far, there hasn’t been any. Many of my fans are old friends and they still know me as the goofy Juan.

What happens during the off-season?
I still train but it's more relaxed. I can go ahead and have some pizza and some of my favorite burgers. I’m pretty ordinary actually—I hang out in clubs with my friends, watch movies and go for buffets.

You definitely won’t have trouble defending yourself in clubs in the case of a fight…
[laughs] My friends actually train together with me. We spar together and sit around talking about training methods.

How do you finish off a day?
A good dinner, beer and a movie will be great.

What do your parents think about you in MMA?
They weren’t supportive at first but now they’re okay with things. The good results lessened their worries!

What do you think of the paper chase in Singapore?
Singaporeans in general are spoilt for choices. We’re relatively smart because of the kiasu spirit that drives us in self-preservation and sustenance. We're great with backup plans but everything revolves around the dollar.

What is happiness to you?
I see an old couple walking down the street and I think that’s happiness.

Catch Juan Wei Jie in action at ONE Fighting Championship: Total Domination taking place at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. October 18. 7pm. TIckets from $38-$148 from Sistic. 

You make people laugh. So personally, what tickles your funny bone?
I love all sorts of different stuff: Laurel and Hardy, Tony Hancock, Pete and Dud, Fawlty Towers, Steve Martin, Billy Connolly, Larry David, Alan Partridge…

Is humor serious business?
Yes, but if you have decided you’ll do anything to make the joke work you can find yourself naked on stage or on TV pretty quickly—in this case you can't take yourself too seriously. 

Standup comedy can really be a hit or miss thing. What sort of challenges did you face during the initial stages?
I'd like to think by now I don’t miss any more. When you first start out you die a few horrible deaths on stage, but you chalk them up to experience and keep trying. It certainly helps you make up your mind about whether you really want to do it. 

What goes on in your head when you’re making the same joke for the umpteenth time and the audience watches you and laughs?
[Chuckles] I think what a great joke that must be, well done me.

What's tough about going on tour?
It’s a fractured lifestyle, and unlike everyone else you don’t think of weekends as anything special in particular.  But I’ve been doing it so long I find sitting at home without a journey to make or a case to pack pretty odd. 

Best thing about British humor?
I don’t know, because I don’t know my way around enough other kinds of humor to make a sensible comparison!  We like to say we like laughing at ourselves, so I guess it might be that.

Is it stressful from everyday life coming from people who expect you to be a joker?
Not really. Because I play a character it tends not to be an issue.

What sort of preparations do you make before you go on stage? Do you have to “get into character”?
Not any more. I like some quiet time when I’m left alone to read or generally chill out.

From a scale of 1-10, how funny do you think you are?
A stone cold 10.

Your ultimate guilty pleasure?
I’m a huge fan of really good single malt whisky, but it’s too expensive to justify buying often.  And when you have it, it seems too expensive to drink.

Al Murray The Pub Landlord: THE ONLY WAY IS EPIC tour takes place on September 27 at the Kallang Theatre, 8pm. $58-$108 from SISTIC.