Explosively funny

IT MAY have already been staged in 2001 and again in 2003. But the acclaimed comedy Atomic Jaya has proven so wildly popular with Singapore audiences that playwright Huzir Sulaiman and actress Claire Wong get asked by fans every week when they will bring it back.

The married couple has finally relented to put up a new production this month to appease their longstanding fans - and create new ones. The upcoming production also marks the 15th anniversary of the play that was first staged in Kuala Lumpur to rave reviews. Then, it starred Malaysian actress Jo Kukathas, who has now become a major force in the Singapore theatre scene.

Atomic Jaya depicts Malaysia's attempts to create a nuclear bomb. It follows physicist Mary Yuen, who is recruited by the ambitious General Zulkifli to lead the project. But first, they must source for uranium, which seems to be available only through illegal means. All manner of hilarity ensues.