Acclaimed Actor Mark Hadlow Takes Stage in New One-Man Show

Acclaimed New Zealand actor Mark Hadlow is set to showcase his latest one-man show, Gomil (Grumpy Old Man in Lycra), in Dunedin, Invercargill, and Oamaru this month. The performances will take place on October 15, 2023, at the Regent Theatre in Dunedin, followed by shows at the Civic Theatre in Invercargill on October 17, 2023, and the Opera House in Oamaru on October 18, 2023.

Hadlow, known for his roles in Sir Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit trilogy and 2005’s King Kong, brings a unique blend of humor and poignancy to the stage. The play, directed by Gregory Cooper, serves as a sequel to Hadlow’s previous production, Mamil (Middle Aged Man in Lycra), which garnered significant attention following its debut.

The premise of Gomil revolves around Wayne, a character who has faced numerous challenges over the past decade, including the loss of his wife and a panic attack during a cycling ride. Hadlow uses this character to explore deeper themes of mental health and the importance of communication among older men, who traditionally struggle to express their emotions.

Hadlow reflects on the inspiration for the original play, which emerged during filming for The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. He began cycling with a friend, leading to profound conversations about relationships and mental health. This experience shaped the narrative of Mamil, which received critical acclaim and was performed over 350 times across eight years.

“It struck a note and packed a bit of a punch,” Hadlow noted regarding Mamil’s success. The sequel, Gomil, continues to explore these themes while providing a more emotional and psychological perspective on the older male experience.

According to Hadlow, the character of Wayne resonates with many older men, as he navigates the complexities of retirement, family relationships, and personal loss. “The message this time is about ‘you’re not on your own,’” he emphasized. “No matter how bad things get, there’s always someone you can reach out to talk to.”

The humor in Gomil arises from Wayne’s journey of self-acceptance and his interactions with various characters who help him rediscover what truly matters. Hadlow, now 68 years old, believes that his age adds authenticity to his portrayal, making the character relatable to audiences.

“There is a message that is a positive message by the end of the show,” Hadlow explained. “It’s not just all fun and laughter; it’s not making fun of anything, but it’s funny. People will recognize things in the moment that happen to Wayne and his way of dealing with it.”

The set design for Gomil mirrors that of Mamil, creating a familiar atmosphere for returning audiences. Although Hadlow spends much of the performance out of Lycra, he hopes the play encourages those resistant to cycling and the associated culture to reconsider their perspectives.

In addition to the current performances, Hadlow is already planning a third installment in the series, titled Domil (Decrepit Old Man in Lycra), further showcasing his commitment to exploring these relevant themes.

As Gomil prepares to take the stage, Hadlow expresses his hopes for the audience. “I hope they get a great laugh, but also understand the importance of embracing the older people in their lives,” he stated. “We can’t just put them away, shut the door, and forget them; they are as important in our society as any of the generations.”