New tour still lined up for Grand Slam characters
IT’S one of the greatest Welsh films of all time.
And now, 40 years on from being filmed during the 1977 Five Nations tournament in France, it’s been revealed that a sequel to the classic rugby comedy Grand Slam is still waiting to be made.
Called Au Revoir and penned by the original film’s director John Hefin (along with his wife Elin) prior to his death in 2012, the story centres on the world of women’s rugby and the dying wish of Windsor Davies’ Mog Evans character to have his ashes scattered on the pitch prior to a big Wales game.
“The script features all the main characters, those who are still with us, 30 years on,” says Elin, aged 60.
“Turns out undertaker Glyn (played by Dewi ‘Pws’ Morris) and Odette (Sharon Morgan) had a baby together from their fling in Paris back in ’77, and now that daughter has grown up and plays for a local women’s rugby side.
“Sadly though, Mog is dying and expresses his final wish to have his ashes scattered on the pitch before a World Cup clash between Wales and France over in Paris.
“As a result, the gang - along with Sion Probert’s flamboyant Maldwyn NovelloPughe, who now runs the local OAP home - cadge themselves a lift with a coach full of female players and head off on a road trip on across the Channel.”
However, despite women’s rugby having grown in popularity in recent times, the premise of the script, penned 10 years ago, hasn’t helped get it made something many of the original film’s fans would no doubt love.
“It was shot for a pittance and made pretty much on the hoof - it didn’t achieve cult status until years later,” said Elin.
“Unfortunately, despite the cast all being up for it, we haven’t been able to find any TV companies in Wales to get behind it.”
However, four decades on since it was shot and with the 40th anniversary of its release looming next year, the time seems perfect for a long-awaited Grand Slam sequel.
“Wouldn’t that be great?” says Elin.