Over the years, there have been numerous attempts to put Wales and its people on the television screen, ranging from the cringe making Ronnie Barker sitcom 'The Magnificent Evans' to the touching period drama 'We Are Seven'.
'Mine All Mine' was a piece of whimsy from the pen of Russell T.Davies, starring Griff Rhys Jones as the head of a dysfunctional Mumbles-based family who discovers he is the rightful owner of the land on which Swansea is built. Of course his new-found status as 'King of Swansea' creates untold problems for both himself and his family.
As one would expect from a Russell T.Davies series, the writing is first-rate. The cast are wonderful, particularly Jones as the dreamer 'Max Vivaldi' and Rhian Morgan as his long-suffering wife Val. Even the minor characters, such as Debbie Chazen's 'Big Claire', are beautifully put over. For me, though, the real showstopper was Ruth Madoc as Val's trouble-making mother Myrtle. Being Welsh, I could recognise those characters from everyday life. Seeing familiar locations such as Mumbles pier and Swansea Town Hall was also a joy.
The only annoying thing about this show was that it ended on a cliffhanger. Despite having many excellent qualities, 'Mine All Mine' failed to find an audience. Perhaps its very Welshness alienated English audiences. I don't know.
Russell was bitterly disappointed by the cancellation, he had plans for two more series. Four months later, however, he had a ratings blockbuster in the shape of 'Dr.Who'.
To think I.T.V.-1 let this go after one series, yet pumped out five seasons of the execrable 'Footballers' Wives' - it beggars belief!
'Mine All Mine' was a piece of whimsy from the pen of Russell T.Davies, starring Griff Rhys Jones as the head of a dysfunctional Mumbles-based family who discovers he is the rightful owner of the land on which Swansea is built. Of course his new-found status as 'King of Swansea' creates untold problems for both himself and his family.
As one would expect from a Russell T.Davies series, the writing is first-rate. The cast are wonderful, particularly Jones as the dreamer 'Max Vivaldi' and Rhian Morgan as his long-suffering wife Val. Even the minor characters, such as Debbie Chazen's 'Big Claire', are beautifully put over. For me, though, the real showstopper was Ruth Madoc as Val's trouble-making mother Myrtle. Being Welsh, I could recognise those characters from everyday life. Seeing familiar locations such as Mumbles pier and Swansea Town Hall was also a joy.
The only annoying thing about this show was that it ended on a cliffhanger. Despite having many excellent qualities, 'Mine All Mine' failed to find an audience. Perhaps its very Welshness alienated English audiences. I don't know.
Russell was bitterly disappointed by the cancellation, he had plans for two more series. Four months later, however, he had a ratings blockbuster in the shape of 'Dr.Who'.
To think I.T.V.-1 let this go after one series, yet pumped out five seasons of the execrable 'Footballers' Wives' - it beggars belief!