Brisbane review - Taruna Jayawardhana’s A Classic Tale: truly funny, with wide appeal
- Jan 30
- 2 min read
By David Wilson
Written and performed by Liam Hartley
Based on the homework of Taruna Jayawardhana
Follow the show on Instagram @aclassictaleshow
29 January 2026
Good Chat Comedy Club
Following a successful run at the Toucan Club Festival, Brisbane-based stand-up comedian and actor Liam Hartley brought his debut one-man show back to the Good Chat Comedy Club on Caxton Street where his stand-up career began. For one night only, the audience was treated to a clever, unique and wonderfully original work that was simply outstanding from start to finish.
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.
By any measure, this show is absolutely fantastic and the audience was justifiably rapturous in appreciation throughout. The show was not only cleverly conceived, but also brilliantly executed by the very talented Liam Hartley. The unique blend of stand-up, pantomime, audience participation and crowd work was wonderfully woven together by Hartley who has created something much more than a one-man show - this is a show with obvious heart and passion that is truly funny, with wide appeal.
If you get the chance to see this show, I encourage you to get tickets without delay. When it makes a return to Brisbane, I will certainly be seeing it again!
In great news for those in Melbourne, Hartley is taking the show on the road, performing at the prestigious Melbourne International Comedy Festival on 16 and 18 April 2026. Enjoy!
This review really captures how fun and engaging the play sounds, especially with its wide appeal. I remember being busy with classes and using Write My Assignment once so I could attend a local theatre show stress free. That experience made me appreciate performances more. It reminds me how stories can bring people together and leave a lasting impression.
I really enjoyed reading this review of A Classic Tale because it sounds like a funny and creative show that keeps the audience laughing from start to finish, with swords, dragons and clever crowd work making it really stand out. It reminded me of a time when I had to rush an essay before a fun day out, so I used a cheap assignment writing service to finish early and still enjoy the show with my friends. That made me see how good planning and smart help can make a busy week feel much lighter.
Returning to an origin venue can reshape audience perception by layering narrative continuity over performance craft. When https://www.hyperion-wines.co.nz The Pokies enters adjacent cultural funding conversations it reflects broader debates about entertainment economies, yet a one person show ultimately depends on pacing, structural cohesion, and the performer’s command of timing.
Liam Hartley sounds like a real talent! I'm always impressed by performers who can seamlessly blend different comedic styles like that. A "fantastical saga of swords, dragons, love, betrayal, adventure and prescription medication" sounds like my kind of show. I’ll definitely keep an eye out for it if it comes my way. I find interesting places to spend time at https://fair-go-australia.com/, maybe I will see it in one of my trips.