Big mouth strikes again: actress Robyn Malcolm to speak at Wintec Press Club

Outspoken actress and activist Robyn Malcolm is the featured guest speaker at the Wintec School of Media Arts Press Club free lunch extravaganza in Hamilton next month.

Malcolm, 47, best known for her role as the swaggering Cheryl West in the massively popular TV show Outrageous Fortune, will share her experiences – good, bad, and downright ugly – with the New Zealand media.

“I expect she’ll deliver a direct and provocative speech,” said Press Club president and School of Media Arts editor in residence Steve Braunias.

“Most actors are as dumb as a bag of hammers, but Robyn’s intelligent and principled. She remains true to her values.

“These qualities were evident when she briefly became the most hated woman in New Zealand during the industrial dispute between Actors Equity and producers of Sir Peter Jackson’s film version of The Hobbit.

“She’s also acted as spokesperson for the Green Party, attracting a hostile response from various media commentators.

“In some ways she’s had almost a schizophrenic relationship with the press, because as an actress she’s treated as a kind of celebrity, and has sold numerous stories to women’s magazines.

“It should be fascinating to hear this wonderfully talented and thoughtful woman speak about her life in the public eye.”

An invite-only audience of about 100 is expected to attend the lunchtime event.

Head of the School of Media Arts, Margi Moore, said “We really look forward to Press Club events as they provide valuable insights for our students. It is an amazing opportunity for students to ask questions and network with media personalities”.

It will be held on Friday, November 16, at the Ferrybank Convention Centre on the banks of the Waikato River.

The Wintec Press Club, administered by the School of Media Arts, stages three public events each year. The previous speakers this year were New Zealand First leader Winston Peters, and criminal defence lawyer Greg King.

Braunias, who writes for Metro magazine, and is a columnist with the Waikato Times, says he aims to invite guest speakers who will appeal to Wintec’s  journalism students – and other guests, including VIPs from politics, sport, and entertainment.

In the past, the guest list has included Marcus Lush, Sarah Ulmer, Dame Malvina Major, Labour leader David Shearer, Sir Colin Meads, and also models, entertainers, newspaper editors, and other high achievers.

“I’m thrilled that Robyn Malcolm has agreed to speak at the third and final Press Club lunch for 2012,” said Braunias.

“She’s a forthright sort of rooster, and always entertaining. Her mere presence will very likely encourage boisterous behaviour. The chat should flow, and the alcohol certainly will.”