Leave your sensibilities at home if you’re heading along to see The Tavern at Ōpōtiki’s De Luxe Theatre next week.

The proudly DIY New Zealand comedy, written and produced by Cambridge’s Matt Hicks and directed by Brad Jackson, screens at 7.30pm on Monday, March 2, followed by a Q&A session with Hicks.

Described as outrageous, fast-paced and unapologetically crude, the R16 film (violence, offensive language and sexual material) follows five small-town mates racing to save their rundown local from a slick Ponsonby property developer with sinister plans.

Hicks not only penned the script but cast himself in one of the main roles, as “Matt” – a move he jokes was inspired by Hollywood heavyweights.

“I’ve essentially done a Matt Damon, Adam Sandler or Seth Rogen and written myself into a plum role,” he laughs.

The film also stars Tom Easden (Tomo), Ryan Jackson (Jacko), Stuart Shacklock (Jeremy), and Dan Sage (Keitz), alongside Narina Riddle, Josh McKenzie and the late Mick Innes.

Hicks says the project was born out of friendship and a love of storytelling.

“It’s a real passion project for me and my friends.

“We’re all plucky amateurs who just enjoy telling stories, making people laugh and decided to roll our sleeves up and make a DIY project. It’s gone better than we expected.”

Filmed in Hicks’ hometown of Cambridge at the former Masonic Hotel (now The Clements Hotel), the movie has since toured about 40 cinemas nationwide, including Whakatane, and has drawn strong crowds.

The Tavern blends seasoned actors with mates and a few well-known personalities for good measure.

Former All Black Zac Guildford features prominently, alongside football identity Ricki Herbert, former NZ Idol winner Benjamin Lummis, legendary race caller George Simon and several New Zealand jockeys.

“Zac Guildford’s not just a cameo – he becomes a big part of the story in the third act,” Hicks says.

He also speaks highly of co-star Josh McKenzie, now starring in the NBC series The Hunting Party in the United States. Although McKenzie did not get paid as well in The Tavern.

“We just bought him a suit, a vape and some hair cream, Hicks joked.

“We also had the late Mick Innes, a legend of New Zealand acting who’d been on our screens for 40 years.

“I think you can get these good actors if the script’s funny and if it’s something they’ll enjoy.”

Despite the film’s rough edges and off-colour humour, Hicks insists it has heart.

“It’s about friendship. These characters, they’re like a rough cousin who might swear at Christmas dinner and upset Grandma, but they’ll be there for you at 3am when your car breaks down. They’re not polished, but they’ve got good hearts. Typical country boys.”

Filming inside a working country pub provided plenty of colourful moments – stories Hicks promises to share during the post-screening Q&A.

“It was like, look mate, we’ll put another one on your tab; just stand here while we frame your shot up.”

Hicks said he was loving touring the film around the country in new places.

“We are pumped about playing it in the small communities and meeting the locals.”

His advice for moviegoers?

“If you’re easily offended, it’s probably not for you. But if you round up your most immature friends, leave your morals and maturity at the door, you’ll have a bloody good time.”

The Tavern and Q&A
■ Where: De Luxe Theatre
■ When: 7.30pm, Monday, March 2
■ Tickets: deluxetheatre.co.nz
■ Rating: R16, violence, offensive language, sexual material