Lisa Allan reviews MAMIL 2: GOMIL – Grumpy Old Man in Lycra, performed by Mark Hadlow, written and directed by Gregory Cooper, presented by The Professional Theatre Company at the Isaac Theatre Royal, Monday 10 February, 2025.
The Isaac Theatre Royal invites us onto the stage to be seated for the latest Gregory Cooper / Mark Hadlow collaboration, MAMIL 2: GOMIL – Grumpy Old Man in Lycra. Not knowing the layout of the theatre particularly well, I am oblivious to our seating status until the curtains are swept apart, revealing the most divine backdrop imaginable, the gods (the upper balconies) in all their glory. The breathtaking setting does not keep my attention for long however, for as soon as Mark Hadlow, riding high on a large black box, begins to speak, I am drawn into the world of grumpy, old(er), lycra-clad men on bikes.
The story centres on Wayne, whose wife, Maggie, has passed away. Having been to two of Gregory Cooper’s plays recently, I am surprised and satisfied when the drama quickly delves into real issues with heart and humour. This is the writer that I know and love. We quickly realise that Wayne has repressed his grief, and during a bike ride with his friend, Brian, this culminates in a panic attack. This causes an accident with consequences that remain a mystery until the end of the play, and leave Wayne unwilling to ride again.
The story that unfolds is a meditation on getting older. We journey with Wayne as he confronts his grief, guilt and trauma with the support of a Scottish counsellor, Rory, who is deftly signaled by the crossing of legs – a motif that becomes a source of comedy throughout. Intergenerational issues arise, such as the unintended impacts of workaholism on children, and the unpalatable reversal of parent/child roles when the former is faced with retirement homes and advanced technology. Hadlow plays all of the characters, switching cycling styles, accents and physicality with an alacrity that comes from a huge amount of hard work in the rehearsal room and a career-long devotion to the art of acting. He is a joy to watch.
Cooper’s direction is all but flawless. He and Hadlow have utilised their set and props in clever ways. Their physical choices delight me. The sound effects add lovely moments of depth and comedy, and it is obvious how much care has gone into the detailing of the piece. The taxi scene, the business/first class flight, and Wayne’s cycling style are favourites. The level of care taken shows a huge amount of respect for the audience and the craft.
The only criticism I have is around the marking of some transitions. At times I am left behind, looking for clues as to who I am now following, or what has happened. I always manage to figure it out and catch up but wonder if at some key moments the changes could be highlighted a little more clearly.
Judging by the huge warmth of affection and copious amounts of laughter in the room, if people are slightly confused at moments then it doesn’t impact their enjoyment of this work. A key theme that emerges towards the end of the piece is that of becoming invisible as one gets older. Wayne has some practical advice towards countering this, that I will leave for future audiences to uncover.
Overall, MAMIL 2: GOMIL is an engaging and earnest work of art, packed with nostalgia, interesting psychological contemplations, and relatable tropes of aging, all presented with heart and humour. It will surely resonate on some level with people of all ages and was fairly rewarded with a standing ovation on opening night.
MAMIL 2: GOMIL (Grumpy Old Man in Lycra) plays at the Isaac Theatre Royal until Friday 21 February, 2025.
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