The writer and star of Faulty Tales, Matt Barry, has been playing Bazil for 19 years and says it’s important to keep the scripts original since the audience already knows the piece so well.
“It’s more powerful when it’s totally original,” he said.
“We make it relevant to the audience and bring in modern references to technology like iPads and current Australian politics. We do that with a wink and a nod.”
The French antiques dealer Mrs Peignoir from the original sitcom, for example, became drag queen Mrs Painoir.
“Bazil didn’t realise that she was a he. The show had a lot to say about the current debate on gay marriage but in a light-hearted way,” Mr Barry said.
Mr Barry said while the show had a solid script, he was increasingly writing in the opportunity for the actors to improvise because the audiences loved to be involved in the show.
“Most of our audiences are very raucous. We run little routines with them all night,” he said.
Until now, Faulty Tales has been performed in the Blue Mountains, primarily at the Waldorf Leura Gardens Resort, as well as at corporate events.
Mr Barry said the show was moving to Parramatta for a mini-season for the first time and encouraged audiences to come along.
“We look at the audiences and there’s definitely a business community involved here as well, so we’ll be tweaking the show for that audience.”
Mr Barry said he enjoyed the “intimacy” of the show.
“People ask me why don’t you move to a bigger venue but I think about the Fawlty Towers restaurant and it only held about 30 people,” he said.
“I come and talk to the audience after the show, that’s awesome. It’s so good to meet so many nice people.”
NSW/ACT Revenue and Sales Manager for the Waldorf Apartment Group, Daryl Walker, said the show was hilarious.
He said he was impressed with how the actors were able to stay in character for the entire night.
“It’s not just the performance but the actors’ interaction with the crowd from their first arrival. They made you feel part of it, it was like a real hotel in a way.”
Mr Walker said the Waldorf’s Exacta Restaurant, which could accommodate about 70 people, would host the show.
“This is the beauty of it, you sit down like you are in Bazil’s restaurant.”
Mr Walker said the show would provide a good afternoon or night out and something different for those looking for a place to hold a corporate Christmas party or social gathering.
Faulty Tales, presented by Boxboards Theatre, also stars Marnie O’Mara and Kathleen Leary as Cibil; Troy Lennon and Mike Tasma as Manwell; and Uma Dobia and Yyani Cook-Williams as Pollie.
BRIEFLY
What: Faulty Tales.
Where: Waldorf Parramatta Apartment Hotel, 110-114 James Ruse Drive, Rosehill.
When: Friday lunch, December 2 to December 16, and Saturday dinner, December 3 to December 17.
Tickets (include a three-course lunch or dinner): Adults $99, Children $55 (children under four free)
Bookings essential:
www.trybooking.com
Details: 8837 8000.
