Martin Henderson is an actor who works mostly in North America, where he is filming Virgin River for Netflix.
However, he hasn’t forgotten his origins, which date back to 1992, when he was just 17 years old, and Shortland Street in New Zealand.
Filming for his most recent film, the comedic drama Madam, began in late 2023.
He says TV Tonight, “I do like to poke my head into local stuff and be a part of the storytelling here while I’m in New Zealand.”
Working with a sense of comedy that is a bit more relatable, if you will, is nice, and on Madam, it was. Being involved in something that made me laugh aloud was exhilarating. Kiwis have a pretty bold sense of comedy that I don’t always get in America.
And it was great to get home, do something local, and catch up with old friends while chatting with Danielle Cormack (Wentworth) about my time on Shortland Street. I had not seen some of the crew members in decades.
Rachel Griffiths plays Mack in the 10-minute series, who finds out that her husband Rob (Martin Henderson) has been having an affair. Mack bravely follows his example and chooses to start a legitimate “feminist, ethical brothel” in spite of the shock.
Rob is becoming more and more irritated with his wife for what he believes to be inappropriate behaviour. He simply cannot bear the thought that she might consent to such an act. However, he finds it confusing that she doesn’t fight him as much. In essence, she simply immerses herself in this practical mindset and proceeds to take care of the family. He continues, “I think that’s really emotionally confusing for him, and it’s almost like he’s not there.”
He’s kind of dead to her, I suppose, and perhaps that’s true, and she won’t even waste her time becoming upset about it. She’s simply going to go to work. There is a great deal of hurt there.
The memoir of American Antonia Murphy, who married a Kiwi after meeting him at university, served as the basis for the television show.
As she gets to know the ins and outs of running a brothel and all of the eccentricities and personalities of the patrons, it is inevitable that humour will break out. There are the political issues within the brothel itself, as well as the constant manipulation and competition for favours. This makes it hilarious. Henderson notes that Rachel does a fantastic job of portraying Mack as this realistic, highly focused lady who must support her family due to her husband’s incapacity and absence.
There are also amusing instances where the character tries to outsmart the neighbour but simply ends up acting like a complete jerk and having another outburst. However, a good deal of gloom is explored. For a character like this, it was crucial to try to show Rob some compassion and sensitivity in addition to being the antagonist and foil of the story, allowing the audience to see how he has also been abandoned in the marriage.
Henderson also placed a high value on discovering the truth between the jokes.
According to him, “people kind of drift apart if they’re not tended to, like many marriages. They’ve obviously been living together, but there’s such a cavern between them emotionally.”
It seemed crucial to convey that and provide an example. I believe it felt a bit more genuine, and I thought it was crucial to try to understand these people’s past selves. They were in love, and their relationship was successful, but clearly nothing went as planned. However, a catastrophe occurred there, and their kind of dashed hope was accompanied by despair. Everything sort of comes to light.
Directed by Kacie Anning and Madeleine Sami, Madam stars Robbie Magasiva (Wentworth), Tui (Millie Lies Low), and Rima Te Wiata (Sons and Daughters), with Quinn Ashton and Angus Stevens portraying Toby and Noam, respectively.
Henderson is reminded that the series is another illustration of what skilled crews and creatives can accomplish, despite the fact that the New Zealand film industry is facing challenges in the form of shutdowns, job losses, and budget cuts.
“Madam is proof of that; I believe everyone who worked on it was excellent, including the producers, the actors, the directors, and the writers. In addition to becoming a huge hit in New Zealand, it has won numerous accolades all around the world. Therefore, doing something that travels so well is the cherry on top.