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Cofio

Caryl Parry Jones

Summer fun and sangria in a look back at iconic film

Although some people might want to forget a few things from the 1980s - the clothes, the make-up, the hair styles - the comedy film Ibiza Ibiza stands proud in the memory a quarter of a century after it was first shown on S4C.

On Saturday, 27 August, Cofio Ibiza Ibiza takes us back to 1986 to reminisce about the iconic film in the company of some of the cast members, Caryl Parry Jones, Siw Hughes, Emyr Wyn, Huw Chiswell and producer/director Ronw Protheroe. Following the programme, there's a chance to see the film itself.

Caryl Parry-Jones, who wrote the script as well as playing the characters of Glenys, Delyth and Lavinia in the film, says "I think one of the reasons Ibiza Ibiza is still popular is that there has not been anything like it in the Welsh language since. The fact that the place looks nice with the holiday element and romantic storyline is also appealing."

But the main attraction in Caryl's opinion is the characters, and they are as relevant today as they were in 1986.

"The characters were already established through the sketch series I made for HTV. Also, I think everyone knows someone who resembles each one," says Caryl about the success of characters such as Glenys and Rhisiart, a cultured couple from the Cardiff surburbs.

"I didn't base them on anyone in particular. Yes, I know a lot of people who are like Rhisiart and Glenys and a lot of people have asked me who they are. But I used elements from different people I knew.

"Another thing people find appealing is the fact they are all Welsh characters. Every society has its types, and these happened to be Welsh 'types'. And the characters still live on today although they may be newer versions."

There was plenty of fun to be had in the Ibiza sunshine and Siw Hughes admits she had trouble keeping a straight face at times.

"Caryl would make me laugh, especially when she was playing Delyth," says Siw, who played the roles of Bethan and Enfys. "It was very difficult to keep a straight face!"

We hear in the programme about some of the behind-the-scenes challenges, including losing two days' work because the filming equipment was sent to Madrid. There's also a strange tale of Huw Chiswell and some bright green swimming trunks. You can hear it all in a night of Sangria, sun and plenty of laughs on S4C.

© 2012 S4C
O Gymru / Made in Wales