Do me a favour – when you read the quotes in this article, imagine they’re being said in an exaggerated French accent.
Tom Clarke spoke to Parra News as Denis, one of the five characters in upcoming play, ‘The Trojan War’.
“What is your name, my darling?” Denis asked after introducing himself.
Upon saying my name – Ally – I got a good idea of the flamboyant character’s personality and how the rest of the interview would go.
“Gosh! Like an alleyway of desire or beauty. I can tell your voice is warm and your heart is kind,” Denis flirted.
The show was created by a New Zealand company called A Slightly Isolated Dog – but my interviewee maintained his character.
“I’m part of a very famous very French theatre company – VERY famous, VERY French – and we are dedicated to creating a big sexy party on stage and trying to give everyone the best night of their lives,” Denis explained.
“I’m part of a group of five, so there are four other gorgeous, wonderful people – Sylvie, Julie, Ginger and Philippe – and we scurry about the stage trying to tell you the story of the Trojan War.”
The flirty Frenchman said the story has transcended generations.
“There’s love, lust, gods, fate, and a little bit of naughtiness,” Denis stated.
“We try to capture everything on stage, and what we do is get the audience to help us tell the story, which involves crazy props.”
But it’s also okay if audience members would prefer to relax and watch the show from a distance.
“You can bring a date, or you can come and find one in the audience,” Denis began.
“Maybe you’ll get lucky if you come. It is a story about deep-seated romance after all, as well as untold tragedy.”
The comedic style of the show has been described as a mash-up of ‘Monty Python’ meets ‘Mighty Boosh’ – two obscenely popular British comedy groups.
“The Monty Python guys might have been on to something, but we are the next origin – the next evolution of them perhaps,” Denis compared.
“We are very silly, very slapstick, we’re often tripping each other up and giving each other fantastic jokes. It’s a wonderful show.”
Leave your inhibitions at the door as you enter the show where you’ll uncover the story of the tragic fall of Troy through theatrical magic, twisted pop songs, and explosive wit.
‘The Trojan War’ is at Riverside Theatres on May 30 and 31. Book online at https://riversideparramatta.com.au.
Ally Hall joined the team 2024, and focuses on entertainment and community stories. She is a graduate of the University of South Australia.