Nov 21 2008
Behind the scenes of Channel 8’s 45th Anniversary Gala
Heya, homies! This is May Seah, Showbiz Sista, bringing you the first juicy, low-in-saturated-fats titbits for your masticating pleasure. Besides the usual sightings of Terence Cao ordering chicken rice at the canteen, have we got a treat for you.
Showbiz Sista managed to kaypoh her way into a rehearsal for the upcoming Anniversary Gala celebrating Channel 8’s 45th anniversary. That’s right – it’s been 45 whole years of drama, variety, news, and current affairs. The grand gala will be telecast live on Sunday (Nov 23) at 7pm on – where else? – MediaCorp TV Channel 8.
In a rehearsal session so super-exclusive that it was held late Wednesday night, the stars were practicing for a comedy item in which they’ll revive unforgettable drama characters like Ah Shui, Ai-Yo-Yo, and Bobo. Mark Lee, Henry Thia, Dennis Chew, Patricia Mok, Michelle Tay, Zheng Geping, Pornsak, Cavin Soh, Vivian Lai, and Quan Yifeng were all there. Think Hubble telescope and a clear, cloudless night.
“I think we should have an anniversary gala every year!” said Pornsak. “I’ve calculated: At the 100th anniversary of Channel 8 55 years from now, I’ll be 80 years old. Hopefully by then I’ll be sitting watching.” Instead of working, Pornsak? “Yeah! 80 years old – you still want me to work? Against Singapore policy!”
He ought to know – his favourite role thus far has been Ah Gong in Dialect Delights, because “I get to dress up as an old man.” Kinky. But cute.
Vivian Lai – she of the anime-character eyes – revealed that what goes on behind the scenes is the most fun part of filming. “We snack, we play cards, we chit-chat, and somebody even plays his guitar.” We wonder who!
The funny and fabulous Mark Lee said that he learnt the most and had the most fun while doing Comedy Night – but he wouldn’t want to bring the variety comedy show back any time soon, because the audience is more sophisticated these days. “They want sitcoms now – maybe because of Friends, Ally McBeal, Desperate Something-or-other. So we’ll try and give them what they want.” Blimey! Mark Lee doing a Bree?
Be sure to catch Channel 8’s 45th Anniversary Gala this Sunday for all these stars – and a whole constellation more.
Till next time, this is May Seah, Showbiz Sista, signing off.
One response so far
wassup with the random bit about terence cao and chicken rice?!