Produced by the Dubbo Theatre Company, the show will be held at the Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre on July 26.

Writer and actor Andy Carolan, who plays 59-year-old salesman Gary Tucker, said between now and the show, the cast was ensuring all the minor details were worked out.

“I guess to the public it sort of feels like Gary is just about here but for us it feels like Gary has just about left the building. Happy as Gary the show is just around the corner but Project Gary, in the sense of the whole production, is on its final leg. It really is the final countdown until we say good bye to Gary,” Mr Carolan said.

While he would miss Gary, Mr Carolan said he was also looking forward to being Andy again. There had been people in the street who had started confusing him with his character, Mr Carolan said.

With just over two weeks to go there are only about 70 tickets to the performance.

“I think it’s pretty common for the local shows for people to just wait until the last minute to grab their tickets. So if anyone is planning on doing that they really should get in as soon as possible because there’s not many left to sell,” Mr Carolan said.

Those going through financial hardship have an opportunity to see the show for free through the On the House initiative established by the Happy as Gary team.

“I want the show to be accessible to everyone regardless of their financial situation,” Mr Carolan said.

“I had a friend who I used to go to school with come up to me and say ‘I really want to go to the show but things are just a bit tough at the moment I don’t think I can afford to go’. And it made me realise there are people out there who really do appreciate theatre and really do want to see the show but they think they can’t because they can’t afford it.”

Residents can apply for the limited On the House tickets at the Happy as Gary website.

Mr Carolan said Happy as Gary would not have been possible without the individuals, groups and businesses who had help cover the show’s expenses through partnerships and in-kind donations.

“I really do appreciate their support and I look forward to putting on the best show possible,” Mr Carolan said.