The multi-award-winning theatre company Here There and Everywhere are hitting the road with their outrageous new comedy Wine & Nibbles and The Forge Theatre in Bairnsdale is the next stop on Saturday, August 31.
Described as “an evening of incorrect social intercourse”, the show is based on real events, and explores a housewarming party thrown by a young couple who have just purchased their first home.
“This is a comedy for anyone that has family members considered to be black sheep, or have eccentric neighbours you would not invite over for a drink. It’s a train wreck and the audience gets to watch it unfold in all its uncomfortable glory. There is raucous laughter from the start to the end,” director Phillip A Mayer said.
Tim and Andrea have just moved into their own apartment and they’re throwing a housewarming party to celebrate. Their carefully chosen guest list, which includes her family but not his, is about to be thrown into chaos by uninvited guests, who proceed to upend the evening and drive a wedge into their relationship, which may already have a few cracks anyway.
“You think your family is bad, wait until you meet this lot. When the cast first read the script, they couldn’t believe the story was based on actual events and real people,” Mayer said.
“Of course we blow the situation up, make it larger than life, but the basis for the story is steeped in real life. Knowing this makes the evening even more entertaining.
“Can this young relationship survive the pressure of purchasing a home and the meeting of their vastly different families? You’ll have to buy a ticket to find out.
“The central characters start out stressed because they want to impress the guests. They want to make sure everything is perfect so the night runs smoothly, but when family members show up uninvited, and the neighbours start knocking, things get derailed, spiralling into complete chaos.
“Some characters you’ll identify with, some you’ll feel sorry for, and others will make you cringe at their inappropriateness.”
Here There and Everywhere produce original work, touring one act play festivals, the independent theatre circuit, and large events like Melbourne Comedy Festival and Melbourne Fringe.
The company has won many awards over the years for its contemporary, observational, inappropriate and edgy shows.
“We use a mix of social observation, modern relationship commentary, and satirical farce,” Mayer said.
“I try and write comedy to cater to various levels, so we have base rude humour, the clever thought-provoking jokes, pop-culture references, situational comedy and larger than life characters, which combine to give the audience an hour and a bit of genuine laughs.”
The company is well-known for producing hit comedy productions, including Bogan Shakespeare, Table 17, Couples and El Diablo, among over 30 original comedy plays they’ve toured, but this is their first visit to Bairnsdale.
“We rely on audiences and bums on seats for survival. We love touring and hitting new theatres and audiences, especially in our home of Gippsland.
“Bringing something different to the local theatre scene, in producing original theatre, and creating entertaining experiences is great fun, and Wine & Nibbles certainly fits the bill. It challenges some, but it’s relatable and fun. Every family has at least one embarrassing member, and you know they’re going to disrupt the family gathering.”
Wine & Nibbles has been smashing it since opening in early July and is described as a housewarming comedy nightmare to end them all.
The show is at The Forge Theatre Bairnsdale on Saturday, August 31 as part of a state-wide tour. Go to the TryBooking website for tickets.
