Acclaimed Actor Mark Hadlow Returns with New Cycling-Themed Play

Acclaimed New Zealand actor Mark Hadlow is set to captivate audiences once again with his latest play, Gomil (Grumpy Old Man in Lycra). The production will tour Dunedin, Invercargill, and Oamaru this month, beginning on October 15, 2023, at the Regent Theatre in Dunedin.

Hadlow, renowned for his performances in The Hobbit trilogy and King Kong, brings a unique blend of humor and heartfelt storytelling to his one-man show, which is directed by Gregory Cooper. This sequel to his earlier play, Mamil (Middle Aged Man in Lycra), explores the life of Wayne, a character who has faced significant challenges since the original story, which centered on the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis.

In Gomil, Hadlow portrays Wayne, the leader of the men’s cycling group introduced in Mamil. Over the past ten years, Wayne has experienced profound loss, including the death of his wife of 49 years, and is struck by a panic attack during a cycling ride. Hadlow emphasizes that the play addresses serious themes affecting many older men, stating, “The message this time is about ‘you’re not on your own’. No matter how bad things get, there’s always a chance for someone you can reach out and talk to.”

The inspiration for both plays stems from Hadlow’s experiences cycling with friends while filming The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. He recalls, “What really got me was the conversations that were happening… about their relationships, their mental health, and their business health.” This camaraderie and openness among cyclists sparked the idea for Mamil, which premiered to a sold-out audience at The Court Theatre in Christchurch in 2014 and went on to receive considerable acclaim, with Hadlow performing it over 350 times.

As Hadlow steps into the role of Wayne, he brings his own life experiences into the character, noting that he is now twelve years older than when he first portrayed him. “I get a bit uptight and I’m told to just pull my head in a bit and just relax,” he admits, reflecting on the relatable nature of Wayne’s struggles.

The humor in Gomil arises from Wayne’s refusal to accept things at face value, ultimately leading to a journey of self-acceptance. Hadlow describes the play as being more emotional and psychological than its predecessor, carefully addressing the challenges faced by older men without trivializing their experiences. “It’s not just all fun and laughter,” he explains. “There is a message that is a positive message by the end of the show.”

Audience members familiar with Mamil will find comfort in the familiar set design of Gomil, which Hadlow likens to “putting on an old pair of shoes, but it’s just been releathered.” The play aims to resonate with all demographics, including those who may have previously held negative views about cycling and cyclists.

Looking ahead, Hadlow is already planning a third installment in this cycling-themed trilogy, titled Domil (Decrepit Old Man in Lycra). The actor hopes that his latest work will encourage audiences to engage with the older generations in their lives, emphasizing their importance in society. “We don’t just put them away, shut the door and forget them,” he asserts.

For those interested in experiencing Gomil, performances are scheduled as follows:
– Dunedin: October 15, 2023 at 19:30, Regent Theatre
– Invercargill: October 17, 2023 at 19:30, Civic Theatre
– Oamaru: October 18, 2023 at 19:30, Opera House

Mark Hadlow’s return to the stage promises to deliver both laughter and poignant reflections on life, making it a must-see for theatre enthusiasts.