And that’s exactly why director of Ballarat National Theatre’s end of year production, Peter Nethercote, couldn’t resist the chance to meet Alan Ayckbourn.

It was by chance that Mr Nethercote and his wife were to be in the same area as Ayckbourn and it was a meeting Nethercote would never forget.

“I said to him that we will be in Yorkshire, is there the slightest chance I can watch you direct,” Nethercote said.

“He wrote back saying you will be welcome provided you come for the entire rehearsals.”

So that’s exactly what he did, Nethercote watched, listened and soon became part of the furniture during the five weeks of rehearsals.

“It was an incredible experience,” he said.

“What I found interesting was his love for rehearsals and what I found amazing from observing was that there was no shortfall in his writing.

“During the time of rehearsals only two words changed in the script.”

Following his visit, Nethercote would find himself reading everything ever written by Ayckbourne since 2000. But it wasn’t until Improbable Fiction that Nethercote had the idea to direct his own version here in Ballarat.

“Nothing has said, I must do this, until Improbable Fiction,” he said.

“It’s so bizarre and different.”

The play follows the story of six would-be authors who are unable to present a coherent story.

But the writers soon find their creations coming alarmingly to life.

Improbable Fiction will be performed at the Courthouse Theatre Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 8pm and on Saturday and Sunday at 2pm.

Tickets are $25, concession $20, students $18, groups 10+ $18 and members $16.