Acting legend Mark Hadlow ONZM (King Kong, The Hobbit) and acclaimed writer and director Gregory Cooper (That Bloody Woman) reunite for WOBIL – Wise Old Bugger In Lycra, the hilarious and heartfelt final instalment in the hugely popular cycling trilogy that began with MAMIL – Middle Aged Man In Lycra and continued with GOMIL – Grumpy Old Man In Lycra.
This time, the lycra may be a little tighter, the hills a little steeper and a few more wheels may be required to reach the finish line.
WOBIL takes audiences on the final hill climb of Wayne, founder and team leader of the men’s cycling group first introduced in MAMIL and later the Old FARTS – Fairhaven Amateur Riding Team – in GOMIL.
When audiences last saw Wayne, he was preparing to ride off into the sunset with an OAP – Old Aged Peloton – of residents from the infamous Fairhaven Glen Retirement Village desperately trying to keep up. But sometimes, just when you’re expecting a flat sprint to the finish, life has a way of putting a stick in your spokes. Because when you’re Wayne’s age, all it takes is one little trip to really get your lycra in a twist.
Fast-paced, wickedly funny and packed with heart, WOBIL brings back some of the trilogy’s most memorable characters, including Doru, the philosophical Romanian personal trainer; Pinarello, the Italian bike of nightmares; and Glen, the retirement village owner and Wayne’s ocker Aussie nemesis. There are also some familiar faces from even further back in Wayne’s cycling adventures. Anyone remember Seamus, the foul-mouthed Irish member of the original MAMILs with a fondness for giving people a good “fecking” to?
Described by Theatreview as “fast-paced and slick”, the world of MAMIL has become a genuine New Zealand theatrical phenomenon.
This final stage of the Tour de Wayne may be his hardest hill climb yet, but with the help – and hindrance – of a few old friends and enemies, he is determined to go out in a blaze of lycra glory. No matter how many wheels it takes to get him to the top.
Featuring Hadlow’s trademark physical comedy, lightning-fast character changes and extraordinary ability to bring an entire cast of characters to life, WOBIL is a celebration of friendship, ageing, resilience and discovering that while life may force you to change gears, there is always another road ahead.
For anyone who has ever ridden a bike, loved a MAMIL, become a GOMIL or wondered whether they might one day become a WOBIL, this is one final ride not to be missed.
