Liam Hartley

Thirteen years ago, in an eighth grade English class, a teenage boy was given a simple assignment: write an unconventional fairy tale. Little did he know he was crafting the greatest story ever written. That boy's name was Taruna Jayawardhana, and that story was A Classic Tale. Now, years later, a classmate has recovered this fantastical saga of swords, dragons, love, betrayal, adventure and prescription medication, to finally share it with the world.

Following a successful run in Brisbane, up-and-coming stand-up comedian Liam Hartley is ready to bring his debut solo show to Melbourne. Here are some of the audience responses to Taruna Jayawardhana's 'A Classic Tale':

"Holy moly, my jaw aches for real. Liam Hartley is a comic phenomenon. If you want a great night out with minute for minute laughs, a twisting narrative and a heartfelt message at its core you have to see this!"

"Saw one of the best theatre shows I've seen in my life today. This guy is going to be something great."

"Truly one of the best theatre experiences I've had. Hilarious but surprisingly beautiful."

"I laughed so hard I cried!"

 "Silly and funny and sweet."

"The best kind of art is art that puts its themes into practice. This show does exactly that."

"The best piece of comedy cabaret I saw this year."

"An absolute riot that suddenly turns into a striking meditation on art and growing up!"