Comedy Duo Mark Hadlow and Ross Gumbley Reunite On Stage At The Court Theatre

After more than nine years since their last performance together, comedy double act Mark Hadlow and Ross Gumbley will be reuniting on stage this February in quirky comedy Elling.

Following two middle-aged misfits trying to make it work as mismatched flatmates, these real-life friends will be playing an odd-couple of epic proportions in this Norwegian play.

Hadlow's Elling is a neurotic budding poet, while Gumbley's Kjell is a career virgin and gentle giant who wants nothing more than to have sex. The pair become fast friends in a mental institute, before being thrown into the outside world with only each other to rely on.

Speaking about the story, director Lara Macgregor says, the appeal of Elling comes from seeing two human beings who are struggling with mental health issues try to survive in a 'normal living environment' and how that challenge brings them together to create a wonderful friendship.

Elling is reuniting more than just Hadlow and Gumbley, with Macgregor re-joining her old friends to direct this production. She previously shared the stage with the pair in their last outing together, 2010's Gods of Carnage.

This is actually the first time I've directed either of them. Mark and I have been directed together by Ross a lot - and have actually played husband and wife three times!

Gumbley, who is also The Court's Artistic Director, has a milestone of his own in this production. Elling marks his first on-stage performance in almost a decade.

Mark and I had been looking for a play that could reunite us on stage and when I saw Elling in Australia in 2009, I thought 'I've never seen a role absolutely begging for Mark Hadlow to play it'.

Hadlow, one of New Zealand's most prominent actors (perhaps best known for his role as Dori in The Hobbit) is thrilled to be reuniting with his old friend and former co-star in this unconventional comedy.

I'm delighted to be working with Ross again! We go right back to Flatmates Wanted in the 1980s, so it's been over 30 years that we've known each other. It's wonderful to be able to work with someone who you completely trust without any hesitation. You know, Ross and I... It's a marriage, really, he laughs.

Rounding out the cast are veteran performers Bruce Phillips, Gregory Cooper and Luanne Gordon, last seen together in Roger Hall's Easy Money, playing a range of characters that interact with Elling and Kjell.

For Gumbley, the play is a fantastic, funny comedy with a poignant message that shouldn't be missed.

Elling is lyrical, touching, funny and honest - but also raises questions about the issues of under-funding mental health, which is particularly relevant for a New Zealand audience. It's a comedy, but a comedy that has incredible heart and asks some serious questions.

Hadlow agrees, saying, If we can produce even ten percent of what the play is capable of, then I reckon it's going to alter some views and maybe even make some changes - which is what theatre should be doing. Theatre should make us think; make us emotional and make us care about things that are important in our society.

As for whether Hadlow and Gumbley are truly an odd-couple in real life, well

With the odd-couple, of course, there's one straight one and one really odd one. Mark and I are still trying to work out which of us is the oddest! Gumbley laughs.

Elling will be running at The Court Theatre from the 23 February 16 March 2019.

Cast
Elling Mark Hadlow
Kjell Bjarne Ross Gumbley
Alfons Jorgensen Bruce Phillips
Frank Alsi/Poet Gregory Cooper
Reidun Norsletten/Gunn/Johanne/Poet Luanne Gordon

Creatives
Director Lara Macgregor
Set Designer Mark McEntyre
Costume Designer Hayley Douglas
Lighting Designer Joe Hayes
Sound Designer Matt Short
Stage Manager Jo Bunce

Ticket Prices
Adult $55.00 - $63.00
Senior 65yrs+ $48.00 - $56.00
Supporter $46.00 - $54.00
Group 6+ $48.00 - $53.00
Child (U18) $26.00 - $30.00
30 Below (limited numbers per performance) $30.00

Show Times

Monday & Thursday 6.30pm
Tue/Wed/Fri/Sat 7.30pm
Forum 6:30pm Monday 25th February
Discuss the play with cast and creative team after the performance
Matinee 2:00pm Saturday 9th March

Bookings: phone 03 963 0870 or visit www.courttheatre.org.nz