Max Gillies, the well-known impersonator and actor, is coming to Cairns to perform in the Queensland Theatre Company's production of Heroes at Cairns Civic Theatre.

Recognised for his work over the past three decades impersonating Australia’s political leaders and public figures, Max Gillies has created shows such as the ABC television series The Gillies Report to widespread acclaim.

But what some may not be aware of is that the veteran entertainer also enjoys a distinguished career as an actor and has worked with several theatre companies performing in shows such as ’Allo, ’Allo.

His latest collaboration with The Queensland Theatre Company now has him touring Australia with Heroes.

The play is a gentle comedy about life and ageing, but it’s very different to his other work and Gillies appreciates the "very astute casting" with Dennis Olsen and Robert Alexander playing the two other characters.

Heroes has been translated by Tom Stoppard from the original French script by Gerald Sibleyras, which was a hit in both France and England.

The play depicts three World War I veterans living in a nursing home while planning their daring escape to the outside world.

The trouble is Gustave (Alexander) is agoraphobic, Philippe (Olsen) has periodic blackouts and Henri (Gillies) finds the planning just too much work. Besides, with just one leg, it’s hard to get far.

The play, while relevant to today’s ageing society, highlights the funny side of friendships with people who really "irritate the hell out of each other".

If there is a darker side to the play – the spectre of inevitable passing – it is handled in a light-hearted, even comic manner.

Given its relevance to Cairns’ seniors, the civic theatre has set a special seniors’ price of just $15 per person so that all can enjoy this wonderful comedy.

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