TALK about a triple threat. Tan Kheng Hua is well known for her work on stage, and for producing shows like the Dim Sum Dollies revues.

Now the 45-year old, who started as a marketing executive in Tangs department store, is going into theatre directing with two doublebills.

The project is Do Not Disturb, Late Checkout Please, which plays at the Esplanade Theatre Studio from Dec 18.

The production is rated R(A), contains nudity, and is based on a television series shown on Arts Central last year. Directed by Kelvin Tong, the TV series started with the premise of two people in a budget motel, and developed into various situations involving sex, illicit affairs and secrets.

For the stage version, Tan is creating a series of theatre vignettes with the same premise.

Why did she decide to take on directorial duties?

She says: 'To tell you the truth, I've always had it in me. The time just came. Whether it is having kids, quitting a full-time job in Tangs, producing a TV or theatre show, when the time comes, I will just know.

'And when I know, I will just follow.' The writers happen to be her good friends.

'I happen to have talented friends. If I don't work with them, I'm stupid, right?' she says with a laugh.

Read the full story in Thursday's edition of The Straits Times Life!.