Fortune Theatre proudly presents the South Island premiere of: MAMIL (MIDDLE AGED MAN IN LYCRA) 2-16 May 2015 Sponsored by KINGSGATE HOTEL Featuring Mark Hadlow

A new play by Gregory Cooper Formerly a Sensitive New Age Guy (SNAG) in the 90’s, one of New Zealand’s most beloved actors, Mark Hadlow is a little older but his character none the wiser as he returns to the stage as the most polarising of species - a middle aged man in lycra. Bryan Cook is a property developer who has accumulated a small fortune building leaking homes.

He’s a stressed out, self-medicating, self-loathing arse, killing himself to increase his bank balance while decreasing his golf score. When his business and life fall apart thanks to the global financial crisis, he joins a men’s cycling group to relieve stress and get healthy.

Ultimately faced with his own mortality, he makes a few startling discoveries in various cracks and crevices.

“Cleverly crafted tour-de-force” - Theatreview Penned by Gregory Cooper (The Complete History of New Zealand - Abridged, Heroic Faun No. One), MAMIL stemmed from conversations between the writer and Mark Hadlow. Spending some time with a peloton of riders in 2011, Hadlow was surprised to find the conversations were not male orientated (sex and sports), but rather emotional topics such as relationships and health problems, business and the odd chat about rugby (we’re only human after all).

The conversations taking place through the glorious outdoor scenery were something Hadlow found incredibly uplifting – and an idea which Cooper expanded into the first draft of MAMIL months later.

“Hadlow Gets On His Bike In Must-See Show” – Dominion Post

Playing a multitude of characters, complete with Hadlow’s trademark high energy and enthusiasm, once again proves that now in middle age, Hadlow has no intention of slowing down. His work in the current The Hobbit trilogy is a throwback to his early works with Sir Peter Jackson – both in 2005’s King Kong remake and even earlier in the 1989 black comedy Meet The Feebles, earning him “Best Actress” at Italy’s Fantafestival in 1991.

Combined with his television work (in particular, Willy Nilly in 2001-2003) and tireless theatrical work, Hadlow has rightfully earned his position as one of New Zealand’s most treasured performers. In a show that knows no geographical boundaries, Cooper and Hadlow present a poignant and sharply comical look at one of the most polarising of species – the Middle Aged Man in Lycra.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
CAST Mark Hadlow
CREW Writer and Director Gregory Cooper Set Design and Build Brian King, Graham Jacobsen Original Set Design Ashley Holwell Lighting Designer Jane Hakaraia Sound Designer Hamish Oliver Operator Stephen Paul Stage Manager George Wallace
KEY EVENTS / DATES Opening Night / Saturday, 2 May 7.30pm, Fortune Theatre. Members’ Briefing / Sunday, 3 May meet at the Fortune bar at 5.30pm and join Fortune Theatre Artistic Director Lara Macgregor and actor Mark Hadlow after the 4pm show for a lively, informal chat about MAMIL.

Forum / Tuesday, 5 May - join Artistic Director Lara Macgregor and actor Mark Hadlow for an open question and answer session following the 6.00pm show.

ABOUT GREGORY COOPER Actor, writer and director Gregory Cooper began his career at The Court Theatre in Christchurch as a member of The Court Jesters, and has represented New Zealand at comedy festivals in Europe and America. He co-wrote and performed in the acclaimed The Complete History of New Zealand (abridged).

The Christchurch City Council and the Real NZ Festival commissioned Gregory to co-write and perform in The Complete History of World Rugby in 2011 and in 2012 he co-wrote and performed in The Complete History of Christchurch. In 2012 he also presented his one-man show Heroic Faun No. One at the Melbourne Fringe Festival, after successful runs in Auckland and Wellington. Last year he co-wrote, directed and performed in NZ Rocks! A History of Kiwi Music and played Sherlock Holmes in The Court Theatre season of The Hound of the Baskervilles.

Production Dates 2-16 May, 2015
Running Time 1 hour, 30 mins NO INTERVAL
Venue Fortune Theatre, 231 Stuart Street, Dunedin Directed by Gregory Cooper Cast Mark Hadlow Performances Tuesday, 6.00pm, Wednesday - Saturday, 7.30pm, Sunday, 4.00pm (no show Monday)

Tickets Gala (first 5 shows) $34, Adults $42, Senior Citizens $34, Members $32, Tertiary Students $20, High School Students $15, Group discount (10+) $34 Bookings Fortune Theatre, 231 Stuart Street, Dunedin Box Office 03 477 8323 or visit www.fortunetheatre.co.nz

For further information, imagery or interview/photo opportunities please contact: Lucy Summers, Marketing Manager T: (03) 477 1292 ext. 2 M: 021 108 3046 E: marketing@fortunetheatre.co.nz www.fortunetheatre.co.nz