When a love letter comes alive on stage.

At 77, Joe Hasham is proof that inspiration can strike anytime, anywhere, and at any age.

The Artistic Director and Co-Founder of The Actors Studio had an idea for a play about old age, but hadn’t come up with a title yet.

Then, a lightbulb moment happened when he was travelling in New South Wales, Australia — together with his wife, the Executive Producer & Co-Founder of The Actors Studio, Dato’ Faridah Merican.

“We were driving through a beautiful town called Sussex Inlet, and an old friend mentioned that the idyllic town was known as ‘God’s Waiting Room’ because so many retirees chose to spend their twilight years there,” said Joe.

Faridah and Joe looked at each other immediately. They knew it had just become the title of his play.

“I wanted to write a play about old age, about people who are, in a way, waiting. They go into these homes and… what are they waiting for?” Joe added, revealing that the play was his love letter to Faridah.

Set in a retirement home, God’s Waiting Room revolves around Miss Effie, Ms Pansy, and Mr Chong as they navigate their golden years while coping with their uncooperative bodies and endless waiting. They wait for visitors who never show up, medical test results, and the inevitable — life’s final curtain call.

The trio reminisces about their many ‘firsts’ over the years, including first loves and long-gone loved ones, recalls good ol’ times partying until the wee hours and memories that have slipped away. They pay tribute to Shakespeare, annoy the hell out of each other, yet lean on one another. They are their own senior cheer squad.

The comedy-drama promises to be both funny and moving, while also offering an opportunity to ponder the realities of later life — all through the eyes of three strangers in their 70s and 80s.

The play is dedicated to the well-known and much-loved actor Mano Maniam, who was originally cast in the production before passing away in May 2025.

God’s Waiting Room will feature three Malaysian performing arts icons on stage — Dato’ Faridah Merican, popular radio personality and actor Patrick Teoh, and respected actor and member of Five Arts Centre, Anne James.

Though they have worked together in different capacities, the last time they shared a stage together was in The Actors Studio’s 1991 double bill — Patrick and Faridah in Stage, and Anne and Faridah in Me, The Mortal.

God’s Waiting Room marks the first time they are all on stage together. As a long-time fan of all three, I can easily imagine the chemistry and professionalism they will bring to the stage.

Knowing the talent and passion of the actors and the director, and their history of presenting impactful productions, I’m sure the mix of funny, interesting, and personal stories from the cast will connect with theatre-goers of different ages and backgrounds, one way or another.

Personally, I’m looking forward to hearing about Faridah’s P.E. teacher days at her alma mater, St. George’s Girls’ School, as well as other anecdotes from Patrick and Anne. I have a feeling I’ll be taking away much more than I expect when I see God’s Waiting Room for myself — but I’m getting ahead of myself.

Not surprisingly, tickets for God’s Waiting Room, playing at Pentas 2, KLPAC from 22 January to 1 February, are sold out.

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God’s Waiting Room, written and directed by Joe Hasham, was a delight to watch from start to end. A gentle mix of humour and seriousness, the play combined funny, tender, and human moments of the three residents, played by theatre veterans Faridah Merican, Anne James, and Patrick Teoh.

The performance was sincere and engaging, with many scenes making me laugh out loud, while others left me a little teary-eyed. More importantly, the play lingered in my mind long after I left the venue, quietly making me reflect on my own “waiting” in life for many days after that.

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