0:00:00 > 0:00:00- Subtitles
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:00:09 > 0:00:11- What did we see - but the whole front lawn.
0:00:12 > 0:00:15- I knew she wasn't wearing knickers.
0:00:15 > 0:00:19- But the most bizarre of all - was phoning Marilyn.
0:00:20 > 0:00:22- "Mam, you'll never guess.
0:00:22 > 0:00:26- "I've seen - Tom Jones's thingamadooda...
0:00:26 > 0:00:29- "..and Shirley Bassey's - tu-whit tu-who."
0:00:29 > 0:00:30- And what did Mam say?
0:00:31 > 0:00:34- "Oh, you're having a lovely time!"
0:00:42 > 0:00:44- It's the start - of something exciting.
0:00:45 > 0:00:50- There are oodles - of totally unconnected elements...
0:00:50 > 0:00:53- ..which have been - a part of my life...
0:00:53 > 0:00:56- ..that have brought me to this idea.
0:00:57 > 0:01:00- I know, I'll amalgamate everything - into a show.
0:01:01 > 0:01:05- When Stifyn told me - he was doing a one-man show...
0:01:05 > 0:01:08- ..I remember thinking, - of course you should.
0:01:08 > 0:01:10- Stifyn's life is like a show.
0:01:11 > 0:01:14- My first reaction was, - "I'm not paying to listen...
0:01:14 > 0:01:18- "..to the shit I've lived - with for the past 17 years!"
0:01:18 > 0:01:24- He can pluck a story from the air - that's suitable for any occasion...
0:01:24 > 0:01:26- ..or, sometimes, that's unsuitable!
0:01:27 > 0:01:28- He's a little rascal.
0:01:29 > 0:01:31- He's always been a little rascal.
0:01:32 > 0:01:34- It'll be like - a journey through history...
0:01:35 > 0:01:38- ..but history written - by Stifyn Parri.
0:01:44 > 0:01:46- I cringe a lot when I look back.
0:01:47 > 0:01:49- To anyone - who doesn't really know me...
0:01:50 > 0:01:53- ..I can appear to be - an extremely cocky person...
0:01:54 > 0:01:56- ..and extremely mouthy.
0:01:56 > 0:02:00- But that's what has opened - so many doors for me over the years.
0:02:00 > 0:02:03- But I know that I'm also shy.
0:02:03 > 0:02:08- But I do think that everyone - possesses those elements.
0:02:09 > 0:02:12- It means - that I'm on a roller coaster...
0:02:12 > 0:02:17- ..where the inner Stifyn sometimes - shouts, "Help! Don't do this!"
0:02:18 > 0:02:20- But the outer Stifyn says, - "It'll be fine."
0:02:27 > 0:02:31- If I had to sum Stifyn up - in one sentence...
0:02:32 > 0:02:35- ..I'd have to say, "Welsh Marmite."
0:02:37 > 0:02:39- He never frets.
0:02:39 > 0:02:42- You never see him pondering...
0:02:42 > 0:02:44- .."Oh dear, what shall I do now?"
0:02:45 > 0:02:46- Never.
0:02:46 > 0:02:47- Wrong shirt.
0:02:50 > 0:02:52- He was ahead of his time.
0:02:52 > 0:02:56- Stifyn coined the phrase - "social, Welsh and sexy"...
0:02:56 > 0:03:00- ..before the Welsh - realized they were.
0:03:00 > 0:03:03- He's like a people magnet, in a way.
0:03:04 > 0:03:05- He's a tonic.
0:03:06 > 0:03:09- But he's quite a deep person too.
0:03:10 > 0:03:11- It's hanging out there.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15- If I tell myself - that I have to...
0:03:16 > 0:03:20- ..do the poster, - there's no turning back.
0:03:20 > 0:03:23- The challenge, the journey, begins.
0:03:23 > 0:03:26- Four shows, three in English - and one in Welsh...
0:03:27 > 0:03:29- ..and only months to prepare.
0:03:29 > 0:03:30- Are you wearing that tonight?
0:03:30 > 0:03:31- Are you wearing that tonight?- - Yes.
0:03:32 > 0:03:33- Are you sure?!
0:03:33 > 0:03:35- Are you sure?!- - You're wearing that!
0:03:35 > 0:03:35- It's nice and understated.
0:03:35 > 0:03:37- It's nice and understated.- - Yes, like me.
0:03:39 > 0:03:43- We must mention your one-man show. - Tell us about it.
0:03:43 > 0:03:45- At the end of last year...
0:03:46 > 0:03:50- ..I threatened - to do something for myself...
0:03:50 > 0:03:52- ..as part of my bucket list...
0:03:53 > 0:03:56- The train had started, and by now...
0:03:57 > 0:04:02- ..it'll either go on a lovely trip - or crash into a wall.
0:04:05 > 0:04:08- The best place to start - is Edinburgh in August.
0:04:13 > 0:04:14- There's so much choice.
0:04:14 > 0:04:17- You'd think - there was a festival here.
0:04:26 > 0:04:28- This place is totally bonkers.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34- I've never felt so normal - in my life.
0:04:34 > 0:04:38- Some insist that I go - to see their show within an hour.
0:04:39 > 0:04:41- Everyone's selling, - selling, selling.
0:04:47 > 0:04:49- And, on page 172...
0:04:50 > 0:04:55- ..right at the bottom, our man, - Tudur Owen - The Ll Ffactor.
0:04:57 > 0:05:00- Can I interest you - in a free comedy show, sir?
0:05:00 > 0:05:02- Thank you very much.
0:05:02 > 0:05:05- He's my demographic. - The 50 to death range.
0:05:08 > 0:05:12- Do you think it's a bit mad...
0:05:12 > 0:05:15- ..that I'm considering - doing a one-man show...
0:05:16 > 0:05:21- ..when I've never - done stand-up in my life?
0:05:21 > 0:05:24- No, because you know - what the drug is.
0:05:24 > 0:05:27- That hit you get - from the audience's warmth.
0:05:27 > 0:05:28- That's what it is...
0:05:29 > 0:05:31- ..not that you haven't - done stand-up.
0:05:31 > 0:05:33- You offer entertainment.
0:05:33 > 0:05:34- You offer entertainment.- - He's had four stars.
0:05:34 > 0:05:36- He's doing better than me already!
0:05:37 > 0:05:38- Don't talk, distribute.
0:05:38 > 0:05:41- Tudur Owen, roll up, - ladies and gentlemen...
0:05:42 > 0:05:47- As with anything, you have - to work at it to get it right.
0:05:48 > 0:05:52- Do the mileage with the material, - get rid of stuff, be ruthless.
0:05:52 > 0:05:56- If something doesn't get a laugh - regularly, take it out.
0:05:56 > 0:05:59- Rewrite and rewrite again.
0:06:00 > 0:06:04- I pay a student to this as well, - but it does help to do it yourself.
0:06:04 > 0:06:08- If you talk to people - and they come to the show...
0:06:08 > 0:06:13- ..they enjoy it so much more - because they've made the connection.
0:06:14 > 0:06:17- Can I ask your opinion of this?
0:06:17 > 0:06:18- I have one too.
0:06:19 > 0:06:20- Mine's bigger than yours.
0:06:21 > 0:06:24- Stifyn Parri, shut yer marf.
0:06:24 > 0:06:25- Brilliant.
0:06:25 > 0:06:26- Does it work?
0:06:26 > 0:06:27- Does it work?- - Yes, I like that.
0:06:29 > 0:06:33- I'm confident that you will say, - this is daft, this is stupid...
0:06:33 > 0:06:37- ..until that first show, - and that wave of applause.
0:06:38 > 0:06:40- You'll see people - smiling and laughing...
0:06:41 > 0:06:43- ..then you'll realize why you do it.
0:06:43 > 0:06:46- The blooming drug gets hold of you.
0:06:46 > 0:06:48- We like the attention.
0:06:48 > 0:06:49- Look at me!
0:06:54 > 0:06:57- Enjoy the rest of the Fringe. - Goodbye!
0:07:07 > 0:07:08- I spend...
0:07:09 > 0:07:12- ..what feels like - half of every day...
0:07:13 > 0:07:15- ..in this chair...
0:07:15 > 0:07:20- ..trying to assemble the show...
0:07:20 > 0:07:24- ..staring like an idiot - at the screen...
0:07:25 > 0:07:28- ..with Shut Your Mouth all over it.
0:07:32 > 0:07:36- I've decided that the best idea...
0:07:36 > 0:07:40- ..is to go to Rhosllannerchrugog - to put this jigsaw together.
0:07:44 > 0:07:45- Do you remember this?
0:07:46 > 0:07:49- Godspell in Aberystwyth.
0:07:49 > 0:07:52- Michael Ball, Sarah...
0:07:52 > 0:07:55- This was a fantastic show.
0:07:55 > 0:07:58- A lot of people went to see it - two or three times.
0:07:58 > 0:08:02- Starting this process - was interesting.
0:08:02 > 0:08:07- I knew I needed a proper framework - to support my story.
0:08:07 > 0:08:09- God, I'm fat here!
0:08:09 > 0:08:11- After your fish and chips!
0:08:11 > 0:08:13- I'm like the side of a house.
0:08:14 > 0:08:17- He came home and said - he was doing a stand-up show.
0:08:18 > 0:08:20- I asked him what about.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23- He refused to tell me - and said I had to wait.
0:08:23 > 0:08:24- I still have no idea.
0:08:25 > 0:08:27- Really, I have no idea.
0:08:27 > 0:08:29- I'm sure I'll be getting it.
0:08:31 > 0:08:34- Fortunately, I've kept cuttings...
0:08:35 > 0:08:38- ..about everything I've ever done...
0:08:38 > 0:08:40- ..all in one cupboard.
0:08:40 > 0:08:41- Oh, look!
0:08:42 > 0:08:45- It's a lovely one, isn't it?
0:08:45 > 0:08:48- What I decided to do...
0:08:48 > 0:08:51- ..was to go through the photos.
0:08:51 > 0:08:52- The first puppet show.
0:08:54 > 0:08:56- I might put these in the show.
0:08:56 > 0:08:59- Not all of them, - or we'll be there forever.
0:08:59 > 0:09:01- All of us with Dad on the beach.
0:09:02 > 0:09:03- Prestatyn.
0:09:03 > 0:09:05- You've got a big copy of this.
0:09:05 > 0:09:06- You've got a big copy of this.- - Yes.
0:09:09 > 0:09:10- When I was very young...
0:09:11 > 0:09:13- ..Dad held centre stage.
0:09:14 > 0:09:18- He was the charismatic one - with the funny one-liners.
0:09:18 > 0:09:21- He was the one - who entertained people.
0:09:21 > 0:09:24- Mam was quiet, in the background...
0:09:24 > 0:09:27- ..feeding the whole area - with fish and chips...
0:09:27 > 0:09:29- ..and keeping happy.
0:09:33 > 0:09:37- As I look back, - I'm convinced that losing Dad...
0:09:37 > 0:09:40- ..when I was 15 years old...
0:09:40 > 0:09:42- ..was...
0:09:45 > 0:09:48- ..extraordinarily significant...
0:09:49 > 0:09:53- ..in the development - of my character.
0:09:54 > 0:09:56- I haven't seen this one.
0:09:56 > 0:10:00- After Dad died, - my relationship with Mam changed.
0:10:01 > 0:10:03- Stifyn was on the phone - almost every day.
0:10:04 > 0:10:06- Two or three times, sometimes.
0:10:07 > 0:10:08- We are close.
0:10:08 > 0:10:10- He's good to me.
0:10:10 > 0:10:12- We're great friends.
0:10:13 > 0:10:15- Him and Anthony, his brother.
0:10:15 > 0:10:17- They've made me proud.
0:10:18 > 0:10:22- I am glad that I kept everything, - or I wouldn't have a one-man show.
0:10:23 > 0:10:25- "..Jamie with you - on BBC Radio Wales."
0:10:26 > 0:10:28- If you have a one-man show...
0:10:28 > 0:10:30- ..make sure your one man - is Stifyn Parri.
0:10:31 > 0:10:33- He's got lots of stories to tell...
0:10:33 > 0:10:37- ..and he'll be telling them - live on stage later this month.
0:10:37 > 0:10:39- Tell us more. What a departure.
0:10:39 > 0:10:42- Some people say it's a departure...
0:10:43 > 0:10:47- ..but it does seem - like a natural step for me...
0:10:47 > 0:10:49- I don't have a lot to lose.
0:10:49 > 0:10:54- But I feel that some people think - that I'm having a midlife crisis.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58- I hope to entertain people - with the pure comedy...
0:10:58 > 0:11:03- ..of some of the bizarre situations - in which I've found myself.
0:11:03 > 0:11:05- I might as well do it on stage...
0:11:05 > 0:11:08- ..than do it for nothing - around a dinner table.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11- Than you for not saying that - live on Radio Wales.
0:11:12 > 0:11:14- They were both as big as each other.
0:11:14 > 0:11:18- If this goes flat - against the wall, fine.
0:11:18 > 0:11:23- The only thing that I really need is - to do as I please.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29- I grew up, more or less, - in a chip shop.
0:11:30 > 0:11:33- Mam had wonderful rules in the shop.
0:11:33 > 0:11:35- She had two fryers...
0:11:35 > 0:11:40- ..one for fish - and the other for chips.
0:11:40 > 0:11:46- That's why so many locals, - me included, still crave a sausage.
0:11:48 > 0:11:50- I run through the show - at least once a week.
0:11:51 > 0:11:55- Only two will see it, - Bill and Alfie, the dogs...
0:11:56 > 0:12:01- ..until I do it - in front of my whole life in Rhos!
0:12:01 > 0:12:03- As I was walking on stage...
0:12:03 > 0:12:06- ..I'll never forget - hearing Mam shout.
0:12:07 > 0:12:10- "Stifyn! Sing until the hole - in your backside trembles!"
0:12:11 > 0:12:13- Then I'm doing it in Cardiff...
0:12:14 > 0:12:18- ..in front of a lot of people - who know the older Stifyn.
0:12:18 > 0:12:20- Who walked in but this man.
0:12:20 > 0:12:21- George Michael.
0:12:22 > 0:12:26- I said to myself, - "Fucking hell, George Michael!"
0:12:26 > 0:12:30- As I did that, he said to me, - "You're in Brookside, aren't you?"
0:12:31 > 0:12:36- I then go to London, - in front of the old SWS gang.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39- Social, Welsh and sexy - and ready to tie the knot.
0:12:39 > 0:12:41- I'd turned into Cilla Black...
0:12:43 > 0:12:46- Three shows in English to start...
0:12:46 > 0:12:49- ..and as if that - wasn't daft enough...
0:12:50 > 0:12:54- ..a Welsh show at Ty Golchi, - Tudur Owen's place.
0:12:55 > 0:13:00- So, I'm going - from never having done stand-up...
0:13:00 > 0:13:03- ..to doing two hours - in front of my whole life.
0:13:04 > 0:13:05- Simple.
0:13:08 > 0:13:10- Good morning.
0:13:11 > 0:13:13- It's seven o'clock.
0:13:14 > 0:13:15- Um...
0:13:16 > 0:13:19- This is the day - that I'm leaving Cardiff.
0:13:19 > 0:13:21- The first show is today.
0:13:21 > 0:13:26- I've never prepared so much - for anything in my life.
0:13:26 > 0:13:31- But I am looking forward - to having an audience by now.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35- Blah-di-blah-di-blah, - I've had the most ridiculous life...
0:13:37 > 0:13:39- The first decision I made...
0:13:40 > 0:13:44- ..about locations - for the performances...
0:13:44 > 0:13:46- ..was to definitely - have one in Rhos.
0:13:46 > 0:13:50- Yes, maybe more - would come to see the show...
0:13:51 > 0:13:54- ..but I also know - that a Rhos crowd is tough.
0:13:55 > 0:13:56- Right.
0:13:58 > 0:14:01- What worries me most about Rhos...
0:14:01 > 0:14:05- ..is that there'll only be - a handful in the audience.
0:14:05 > 0:14:09- Cardiff and London seem to me - to be selling better than Rhos.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14- Maybe I've made the wrong decision.
0:14:17 > 0:14:18- .
0:14:21 > 0:14:21- Subtitles
0:14:21 > 0:14:23- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:14:27 > 0:14:28- Ysgol Babanod y Rhos.
0:14:29 > 0:14:31- I remember my first day at school.
0:14:32 > 0:14:36- Aged three, asking Brenda Jones, - "Miss, can I do a play on Friday?"
0:14:36 > 0:14:40- She said yes, - and I had the most superb time.
0:14:41 > 0:14:44- I was standing at the back - for two reasons, really.
0:14:45 > 0:14:46- One, I was big.
0:14:47 > 0:14:50- And because I grew up - in a chip shop...
0:14:50 > 0:14:53- ..people called me Fatty.
0:14:54 > 0:14:57- Then they started to call me Poof.
0:15:00 > 0:15:04- Then someone really nice - put both names together...
0:15:04 > 0:15:06- ..and called me Fatty Poof.
0:15:07 > 0:15:10- And I was Fatty Poof - until I left Rhos...
0:15:11 > 0:15:15- Do you know the story - about my first day at school?
0:15:16 > 0:15:18- I was with Brenda Jones, wasn't I?
0:15:19 > 0:15:21- Every Friday, he put on a show.
0:15:21 > 0:15:26- He ran the show, acted in it - and made the costumes.
0:15:26 > 0:15:32- She said to him, "If you don't - become a producer, I'll eat my hat."
0:15:33 > 0:15:35- I knew I wasn't like the others.
0:15:35 > 0:15:41- Miss Brenda Jones found Fatty Poof - crying in the corner one day.
0:15:42 > 0:15:44- "Linda Evans - has cut her blonde hair...
0:15:45 > 0:15:48- "..and I haven't got - anything to brush!"
0:15:54 > 0:15:59- I'm back from Rhos - after the first show...
0:15:59 > 0:16:04- ..and months and months - and months of rehearsing.
0:16:04 > 0:16:07- I'm really, really chuffed.
0:16:08 > 0:16:10- The audience was fantastic.
0:16:10 > 0:16:14- Of course, a one-man show - is a completely two-way thing.
0:16:14 > 0:16:19- They're in control, to some extent.
0:16:19 > 0:16:23- So, I'm back, knackered but chuffed.
0:16:28 > 0:16:31- Going on holiday - was fantastic for us.
0:16:32 > 0:16:34- We had no money - because Mam didn't earn...
0:16:35 > 0:16:37- Shush, Mam, I'm talking.
0:16:38 > 0:16:39- Fucking hell.
0:16:41 > 0:16:42- Me now, missus.
0:16:43 > 0:16:45- Mam comes up a lot in the show.
0:16:45 > 0:16:49- But she does have - a lead role in my life.
0:16:49 > 0:16:54- I'm not afraid to share embarrassing - stories about her with friends.
0:16:54 > 0:17:00- Fatty Poof and Mam have cocktails, - then it's the after-show party.
0:17:00 > 0:17:02- "Oh, we've had a lovely time!"
0:17:03 > 0:17:07- Now, I'll be sharing them - with everyone who sees the show.
0:17:07 > 0:17:09- But she doesn't know that yet.
0:17:10 > 0:17:14- He can't say much about me - because I haven't done much wrong.
0:17:16 > 0:17:20- Not just that, she went - to finish off behind the hedge.
0:17:21 > 0:17:24- Back she came, - denier tights in the one hand...
0:17:24 > 0:17:27- ..and patent leather shoes - in the other.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30- "Don't you tell anyone!"
0:17:31 > 0:17:33- He hasn't changed, I'll say that.
0:17:34 > 0:17:36- He's always been a little rascal.
0:17:37 > 0:17:39- That's why everyone likes him, - I guess.
0:17:40 > 0:17:44- He hasn't changed a bit - since he left home.
0:17:49 > 0:17:52- The first time we met, - I heard him before I saw him.
0:17:56 > 0:17:58- Hiya.
0:17:58 > 0:18:00- Oh, hello. Looking for me?
0:18:00 > 0:18:02- Linda said you'd be here.
0:18:02 > 0:18:08- Looking back, Coleg wasn't unlike - the American series Fame.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11- We had a lot - of inexperienced actors...
0:18:11 > 0:18:13- ..straight out of college.
0:18:13 > 0:18:16- Among them, of course, was Stifyn.
0:18:17 > 0:18:20- Stifyn was the leading man, - in many ways.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23- He was the cement - that kept the group together.
0:18:23 > 0:18:26- Whatever you threw at him - as a storyline...
0:18:27 > 0:18:30- ..he would get hold of it - and he delivered.
0:18:33 > 0:18:35- Hello, Cardiff.
0:18:35 > 0:18:38- Thank you very much for coming.
0:18:42 > 0:18:43- I need something funny...
0:18:44 > 0:18:45- And new.
0:18:50 > 0:18:55- We've had a lot of niggly little - technical issues this afternoon.
0:18:57 > 0:18:59- I'm more nervous - than the first time.
0:19:01 > 0:19:06- The audience will be totally - different to the one in Rhos.
0:19:06 > 0:19:10- They're really professional, - a lot of them are in show business.
0:19:10 > 0:19:13- I may have to face them next week.
0:19:15 > 0:19:19- Anyway, I went - from that soap to another one.
0:19:19 > 0:19:21- You may all have heard of it.
0:19:26 > 0:19:27- Brookside.
0:19:29 > 0:19:30- You're handsome there.
0:19:31 > 0:19:32- Oh.
0:19:32 > 0:19:33- What? I'm not now?
0:19:33 > 0:19:34- What? I'm not now?- - No!
0:19:36 > 0:19:40- You've got an audition for the part - of Gordon's "friend" in Brookside.
0:19:40 > 0:19:42- I knew what "friend" meant.
0:19:43 > 0:19:45- It was a gay character.
0:19:45 > 0:19:48- I was told that he looked handsome.
0:19:49 > 0:19:52- That he worked with antiques, - he was a ski instructor.
0:19:53 > 0:19:55- I thought, - this is fucking perfect for me.
0:19:56 > 0:19:59- But my problem was - that at the time...
0:19:59 > 0:20:02- ..I hadn't come out as gay myself.
0:20:02 > 0:20:04- I was 25 years old.
0:20:05 > 0:20:07- A lot of wasted years, - in my opinion.
0:20:07 > 0:20:09- But at the time, I was too scared.
0:20:10 > 0:20:13- So, on the way to the station, - I phoned a friend.
0:20:13 > 0:20:17- "I can't do a Liverpudlian accent. - Have you got some tips?"
0:20:17 > 0:20:20- "I've got - this really filthy sentence."
0:20:20 > 0:20:24- I was on the train, thinking, - if I get it, I'll have to come out.
0:20:25 > 0:20:30- I went in, "Get yer friggin', - get yer friggin' stockings off."
0:20:30 > 0:20:34- They said, "By the way, - your character's from Wrexham."
0:20:36 > 0:20:39- It was the most hysterical audition - I've ever had.
0:20:40 > 0:20:42- Fatty Poof laid down on the floor.
0:20:42 > 0:20:47- "Get yer friggin' stockings off - and let me fuck you, chicken."
0:20:47 > 0:20:48- And I got the job!
0:20:49 > 0:20:52- Aren't you meant - to have the kettle on?
0:20:53 > 0:20:54- Hiya.
0:20:54 > 0:20:55- Hiya.- - Hiya.
0:20:55 > 0:20:59- A production company - deciding on a story is one thing.
0:20:59 > 0:21:03- Getting an actor who was willing - to play a gay role...
0:21:03 > 0:21:05- These aren't bad.
0:21:05 > 0:21:08- ..even today, - there are still actors...
0:21:08 > 0:21:11- ..who feel it would be better...
0:21:11 > 0:21:14- ..to steer clear - of portraying a gay character.
0:21:15 > 0:21:17- But this was 30 years ago.
0:21:18 > 0:21:21- Stifyn Parri - took that role as an actor.
0:21:21 > 0:21:24- But it would be hard - not to accept...
0:21:25 > 0:21:27- ..that it was also - a very brave step to take.
0:21:28 > 0:21:29- Ta.
0:21:31 > 0:21:32- I'll put the kettle on.
0:21:34 > 0:21:38- "Finally, on the Nine O'Clock News - this evening...
0:21:38 > 0:21:42- "..Brookside have shown the first - gay kiss on British telly."
0:21:42 > 0:21:44- It was everywhere.
0:21:44 > 0:21:46- The Sun, News Of The World...
0:21:47 > 0:21:51- The only place it wasn't in print - was Nene - Rhos's Welsh newspaper.
0:21:51 > 0:21:53- They were too ashamed, probably.
0:21:54 > 0:21:57- It wasn't like the episode, - who shot JR!
0:21:57 > 0:22:01- It was a totally different - soap opera event.
0:22:01 > 0:22:04- This was a landmark - soap opera event.
0:22:04 > 0:22:08- It was an entirely different time - to what we have today.
0:22:08 > 0:22:12- You could still hear - John Hurt's voice in the ads...
0:22:13 > 0:22:16- ..saying that everyone - would die from AIDS.
0:22:16 > 0:22:20- I think, even though - we still hear about who shot JR...
0:22:20 > 0:22:24- ..Brookside's gay kiss - with Stifyn Parri was a bigger deal.
0:22:25 > 0:22:26- Ian McKellen called me.
0:22:27 > 0:22:30- "You must come on the march. - You're going to be a gay icon.
0:22:31 > 0:22:34- "You need to speak - on behalf of the viewers."
0:22:34 > 0:22:36- I thought, God, what do I know...
0:22:37 > 0:22:40- It was such an important period - in history...
0:22:40 > 0:22:44- ..for the whole world, - not just for gay people.
0:22:44 > 0:22:48- It meant that there was equality - for everyone.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51- I ended the speech, - "Don't worry, ladies and gentlemen.
0:22:52 > 0:22:55- "There isn't a closet big enough - for all of us."
0:22:57 > 0:23:01- And I still hadn't told - Marilyn Parry...
0:23:01 > 0:23:04- ..that Stifyn Parri was gay.
0:23:04 > 0:23:06- So, I went home.
0:23:07 > 0:23:10- After about eight cups of coffee...
0:23:11 > 0:23:15- ..Mam got up to leave the room - and I told her not to go for a bit.
0:23:16 > 0:23:20- She said, "A lot of people - are asking if you're gay or not."
0:23:21 > 0:23:22- I just said...
0:23:24 > 0:23:25- .."I am."
0:23:27 > 0:23:29- Mam wasn't shocked...
0:23:29 > 0:23:34- ..given the way she dressed me - for my very first photo.
0:23:34 > 0:23:36- Red silk shoes...
0:23:37 > 0:23:39- ..and matching hot pants.
0:23:41 > 0:23:44- Just like any mother, - she didn't want people...
0:23:44 > 0:23:47- ..making negative remarks - about her child...
0:23:48 > 0:23:50- ..and she didn't want her child...
0:23:50 > 0:23:54- ..to perhaps feel vulnerable - in front of other people.
0:23:54 > 0:23:57- Once she realized - that I wasn't vulnerable...
0:23:57 > 0:24:00- ..and that people wouldn't...
0:24:00 > 0:24:03- A lot of people - were very supportive.
0:24:03 > 0:24:06- They were proud - that I was on Brookside.
0:24:06 > 0:24:10- What concerned me was that they - might not be proud that I was gay.
0:24:13 > 0:24:15- It was such an important time - for me.
0:24:17 > 0:24:22- It was my first big job - in England and in English.
0:24:23 > 0:24:27- Not many Welsh actors - worked in English at the time.
0:24:27 > 0:24:28- But...
0:24:30 > 0:24:31- ..it was so long ago.
0:24:32 > 0:24:35- It feels as if - I'm discussing someone else's life.
0:24:37 > 0:24:39- This really is weird.
0:24:44 > 0:24:45- This is where I slept.
0:24:49 > 0:24:50- Wow!
0:24:57 > 0:24:58- .
0:25:01 > 0:25:01- Subtitles
0:25:01 > 0:25:03- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:25:07 > 0:25:10- Thank you very much and goodnight.
0:25:14 > 0:25:16- I feel, tonight...
0:25:17 > 0:25:19- ..maybe I swear too much.
0:25:20 > 0:25:24- I usually use swearing - for the rhythm of the joke.
0:25:27 > 0:25:30- It does help to make people laugh.
0:25:30 > 0:25:34- But there was just something - in the back of my mind tonight.
0:25:34 > 0:25:37- You're swearing a bit too much.
0:25:37 > 0:25:40- But um, I'm happy, I'm alive.
0:25:45 > 0:25:47- Looking back now...
0:25:48 > 0:25:50- ..getting to the West End...
0:25:51 > 0:25:54- ..for someone from Rhos, - is a big step.
0:25:55 > 0:25:58- But the only people - who take those big steps...
0:25:58 > 0:26:02- ..are the ones - who don't see them as big steps.
0:26:04 > 0:26:09- One of my contracts with Brookside - was nearly up, and I told them...
0:26:09 > 0:26:13- .."Sorry, I'm not going to do any - more, I'm going to do a musical."
0:26:13 > 0:26:15- Not try and do, going to do.
0:26:15 > 0:26:19- There I was, at home, - waiting for the phone to ring.
0:26:19 > 0:26:22- And waiting for the phone to ring.
0:26:22 > 0:26:25- And waiting for the phone to ring.
0:26:25 > 0:26:26- Then I got a phone call.
0:26:27 > 0:26:31- Cameron Mackintosh would like you - to go to have an audition...
0:26:31 > 0:26:33- ..for Phantom Of The Opera.
0:26:33 > 0:26:36- There were only two of us up for it.
0:26:36 > 0:26:40- Me, and this other bastard - with a voice like Larry the Lamb.
0:26:41 > 0:26:43- I thought, I'm a shoe-in, - because he was...
0:26:44 > 0:26:47- So, I sang until the hole - in my backside trembled...
0:26:48 > 0:26:50- ..thinking, this is in the bag.
0:26:51 > 0:26:54- The next minute, - a knock on the door.
0:26:54 > 0:26:55- A man in Lycra on a bike.
0:26:56 > 0:26:58- Christmas, I thought! No.
0:26:59 > 0:27:00- I opened the door.
0:27:01 > 0:27:04- He had a bunch of flowers - and a jeroboam of champagne.
0:27:05 > 0:27:08- "Thank you," I said, - and took them off him.
0:27:08 > 0:27:12- I closed the door, opened the card - and saw Cameron Mackintosh's name.
0:27:13 > 0:27:16- "Unfortunately, you weren't - successful this time."
0:27:17 > 0:27:19- Fucking Larry the Lamb got the job!
0:27:19 > 0:27:23- "But let's hope something better - comes very, very soon."
0:27:25 > 0:27:29- Three weeks later, - I got a phone call.
0:27:30 > 0:27:35- Cameron Mackintosh would like you - to play Marius in the West End...
0:27:35 > 0:27:37- ..without an audition.
0:27:38 > 0:27:41- It was a better part - than fucking Larry the Lamb's!
0:27:43 > 0:27:46- The next minute, I was playing...
0:27:46 > 0:27:49- ..one of the lead roles - in Les Miserables.
0:27:49 > 0:27:54- So, it wasn't a big step for me - because I had decided...
0:27:54 > 0:27:58- ..that it was easy to go - from Liverpool to the West End.
0:27:59 > 0:28:02- My main memory - is that it was such hard work.
0:28:03 > 0:28:05- Eight shows a week.
0:28:05 > 0:28:07- Working six days a week...
0:28:07 > 0:28:09- ..for two years.
0:28:09 > 0:28:12- The role of Marius was a major part.
0:28:12 > 0:28:16- When everyone else in the show - was killed in the story...
0:28:16 > 0:28:19- ..Marius had to sing about it.
0:28:19 > 0:28:22- So, by the end of the week, - by Sunday, I was on my knees.
0:28:24 > 0:28:27- There's a bit - where we're on the barricades...
0:28:28 > 0:28:30- ..and almost everyone is dead.
0:28:30 > 0:28:34- Marius, me, is lying - in the spotlight, as I usually do.
0:28:35 > 0:28:38- He had to sing, - trying to remember his words.
0:28:39 > 0:28:43- # God on high
0:28:46 > 0:28:50- # God on high
0:28:51 > 0:28:55- # God on high
0:28:56 > 0:29:01- # God, oh so high
0:29:01 > 0:29:04- He carried on and on - right to the end.
0:29:05 > 0:29:10- # God on high #
0:29:12 > 0:29:16- That's what the audience did. - They fucking clapped.
0:29:16 > 0:29:20- And I'm there, wet on the floor, - thinking, "You lazy bastard!"
0:29:26 > 0:29:30- Is it possible to see the room - without these big lights on?
0:29:30 > 0:29:35- I wanted to come to London - to get a varied audience...
0:29:35 > 0:29:38- ..so that I can learn - how the show works.
0:29:39 > 0:29:40- Fine.
0:29:41 > 0:29:42- The lighting's sorted.
0:29:43 > 0:29:45- I didn't know who would come...
0:29:45 > 0:29:49- ..but I did know that I had - a good group of people from SWS...
0:29:50 > 0:29:53- ..and people who knew me - when I lived here.
0:29:53 > 0:29:56- I also wanted somewhere intimate...
0:29:56 > 0:30:00- ..more of a cabaret style - than a big theatre.
0:30:01 > 0:30:05- I hope that the closeness...
0:30:05 > 0:30:09- ..will help the mood - and feel of the night...
0:30:10 > 0:30:13- ..and make it different - to the other shows.
0:30:13 > 0:30:17- Blonde streaky hair, - tits pushed right up here.
0:30:17 > 0:30:20- As I got closer and closer - and closer, I went...
0:30:22 > 0:30:23- ..it is Bonnie Tyler.
0:30:24 > 0:30:27- "Hiya, Jeff. I'm staying - in the fucking Kremlin!"
0:30:29 > 0:30:30- Look! You and me.
0:30:31 > 0:30:32- Oh, yes.
0:30:32 > 0:30:33- Oh, yes.- - This was...
0:30:34 > 0:30:36- ..the first-ever BAFTA Cymru Awards.
0:30:36 > 0:30:38- ..the first-ever BAFTA Cymru Awards.- - Yes. Yes, I remember.
0:30:38 > 0:30:43- Ladies and gentlemen, - please welcome your hosts...
0:30:44 > 0:30:47- ..Miss Sian Phillips - and Stifyn Parri.
0:30:51 > 0:30:54- She turned to me - in the read-through.
0:30:54 > 0:30:59- "Stifyn, if we have adjoining - dressing rooms, you can zip me up."
0:30:59 > 0:31:03- Fucking hell, I'm zipping - Sian Phillips into her frock!
0:31:04 > 0:31:05- I liked you.
0:31:05 > 0:31:07- I thought, he's a nice boy.
0:31:07 > 0:31:08- I'll help him.
0:31:09 > 0:31:11- "Stifyn, will you zip me up?"
0:31:11 > 0:31:15- She had a pipette, - dropping something onto her tongue.
0:31:15 > 0:31:18- "Do you want some?" she said. - "No, I'm fine."
0:31:19 > 0:31:21- "Are you sure? It'll keep you calm."
0:31:22 > 0:31:23- "No, no, I'm fine."
0:31:23 > 0:31:25- I thought, she's on drugs.
0:31:26 > 0:31:29- "Ladies and gentlemen" - then a big drum roll...
0:31:29 > 0:31:34- I was shitting myself going on, - thinking "Fuck, she's on drugs!"
0:31:35 > 0:31:36- You went, "No, thank you."
0:31:37 > 0:31:38- I thought it was odd.
0:31:38 > 0:31:40- I was thinking, what's she on?
0:31:41 > 0:31:42- What do they do in London?
0:31:42 > 0:31:44- What do they do in London?- - It was homeopathic.
0:31:44 > 0:31:50- "I don't know how you coped - without that Bach remedy," she said.
0:31:52 > 0:31:55- "Bach what?" I said. - "Bach remedy. Herbal tincture."
0:31:55 > 0:31:59- "Fucking hell, Sian, - I thought you were on crack!"
0:32:02 > 0:32:06- Why is there a gag over your mouth, - that's what I want to know.
0:32:06 > 0:32:10- Because three-quarters of the world, - including you probably...
0:32:11 > 0:32:13- ..has said, - "Stifyn Parri, shut your mouth!"
0:32:17 > 0:32:22- It would be foolish of me not to ask - for a comedy commissioner's opinion.
0:32:22 > 0:32:25- I'm not trying to do stand-up.
0:32:26 > 0:32:28- Am I right to do it like this?
0:32:29 > 0:32:32- Aspiring stand-ups - start off with five minutes.
0:32:32 > 0:32:34- They've got a set.
0:32:34 > 0:32:35- They've got a purpose.
0:32:36 > 0:32:39- They need a framework - to fill with lots of jokes.
0:32:39 > 0:32:42- You're doing something - more biographical.
0:32:42 > 0:32:44- More sincere, if you like.
0:32:44 > 0:32:47- You're talking about your own life.
0:32:47 > 0:32:50- The exciting moments, - the sad aspects.
0:32:50 > 0:32:52- The downs and the ups.
0:32:52 > 0:32:54- Stand-up doesn't always allow that.
0:32:55 > 0:32:57- It's good to be biographical.
0:32:57 > 0:33:01- # Happy birthday to you
0:33:02 > 0:33:06- # Happy birthday to you
0:33:06 > 0:33:11- # Happy birthday to SWS
0:33:12 > 0:33:19- # Happy birthday to you #
0:33:23 > 0:33:24- Hello, madam.
0:33:25 > 0:33:26- Hello, hello, hello.
0:33:26 > 0:33:27- Hello, hello, hello.- - Are you alright?
0:33:27 > 0:33:28- Sian Lloyd.
0:33:28 > 0:33:30- I'm amazed she's not here.
0:33:30 > 0:33:33- She's like a stalker wherever I go.
0:33:33 > 0:33:39- But Sian and I - have had so much fun together.
0:33:40 > 0:33:41- And chocolates.
0:33:41 > 0:33:43- And chocolates.- - Lovely, thank you. You can go now.
0:33:44 > 0:33:50- My relationship with Sian Lloyd - is absolutely bizarre.
0:33:50 > 0:33:52- For several years...
0:33:52 > 0:33:57- ..Sian was everyone's weathergirl.
0:33:58 > 0:34:00- She was invited everywhere.
0:34:00 > 0:34:02- And who did she take with her? Me.
0:34:03 > 0:34:08- Sian and me. This photo was taken - at the Cannes Film Festival.
0:34:08 > 0:34:11- We had just received an invitation.
0:34:12 > 0:34:15- "Would you like to come - to Elton John's house party?"
0:34:16 > 0:34:17- "Yes," I said.
0:34:17 > 0:34:20- We were staying in Antibes.
0:34:21 > 0:34:25- The woman was so excited - that Sian Lloyd and I were there.
0:34:25 > 0:34:31- She had invited everyone she knew - for the evening, with Welsh food.
0:34:31 > 0:34:36- I said that it wasn't fair, - and that we'd turn Elton down.
0:34:36 > 0:34:40- "Sorry, Elton," I said, "I'm having - a bit of a Welsh do instead."
0:34:41 > 0:34:46- Two weeks later, we opened Hello - to see who'd been to Elton's place.
0:34:46 > 0:34:47- The Beckhams.
0:34:48 > 0:34:49- Everyone.
0:34:49 > 0:34:50- The Spice Girls.
0:34:50 > 0:34:53- Everyone got a Rolex watch - and goody bags...
0:34:53 > 0:34:56- ..and I got fucking leek quiche.
0:35:02 > 0:35:05- You were pretty in the old days.
0:35:05 > 0:35:08- Quote, "It's not a night - for Welsh luvvies."
0:35:09 > 0:35:14- Rhys Ifans, Ffion Hague, Sian Lloyd, - Sian Phillips and Bryn Terfel.
0:35:15 > 0:35:17- This is the photo - that sums up SWS for me.
0:35:17 > 0:35:20- You look about 16 there.
0:35:20 > 0:35:22- Love you too. Next.
0:35:22 > 0:35:26- Sian helped me a lot with SWS.
0:35:27 > 0:35:29- I hated London's Welsh societies.
0:35:30 > 0:35:34- Everyone talked about the past - and reeked of mothballs...
0:35:35 > 0:35:37- I decided to make - a list of people...
0:35:38 > 0:35:40- ..that I'd like to be - in the same room with me.
0:35:41 > 0:35:44- Sian Phillips, Sian Lloyd - and 38 other people.
0:35:44 > 0:35:49- Before I turned around, - we had 5,000 members.
0:35:50 > 0:35:54- That night, as you do, I was dining - with Catherine Zeta-Jones.
0:35:55 > 0:35:59- "Will you put more lipstick on - and kiss a bit of white paper?
0:35:59 > 0:36:02- "We'll make a logo with your lips."
0:36:02 > 0:36:05- "Yes, cariad," she said, - so I told the press.
0:36:05 > 0:36:08- I didn't tell them - that we'd got drunk...
0:36:08 > 0:36:12- ..I'd lost the paper - and I haven't seen her since.
0:36:12 > 0:36:16- Never mind, but in no time, - it was all over the papers.
0:36:16 > 0:36:19- "Catherine's pout - gives Welsh club kiss of life."
0:36:20 > 0:36:21- The thing went crazy.
0:36:21 > 0:36:25- He's taken SWS to LA, - Moscow and New York.
0:36:25 > 0:36:30- Very few people have achieved - what Stifyn has in his life.
0:36:30 > 0:36:33- First there was King Kong, - then there was Godzilla...
0:36:34 > 0:36:37- ..and now there's SWS New York!
0:36:39 > 0:36:42- Stifyn coined the phrase - "social, Welsh and sexy"...
0:36:42 > 0:36:45- ..before the Welsh - realized they were.
0:36:46 > 0:36:52- No government campaign - could engender such confidence.
0:36:52 > 0:36:58- Stifyn created something - that was essentially a statement.
0:36:58 > 0:37:03- If New York and London get events - like this, then why not Wales?
0:37:04 > 0:37:06- We have an evening - where you can enjoy...
0:37:06 > 0:37:09- ..a social evening - as Welsh people...
0:37:09 > 0:37:12- ..and I think - that is absolutely vital.
0:37:12 > 0:37:16- Catatonia were in the charts...
0:37:16 > 0:37:18- ..and we were everywhere.
0:37:19 > 0:37:21- On the back of that, - Cool Cymru was born.
0:37:22 > 0:37:25- Catherine and Michael - had decided to get married...
0:37:25 > 0:37:29- ..on the day before - SWS New York's first birthday.
0:37:29 > 0:37:31- There was a big red carpet...
0:37:32 > 0:37:35- ..and a big bank of people...
0:37:35 > 0:37:39- ..with lenses bigger than my mouth.
0:37:39 > 0:37:42- There they were, - one after the other.
0:37:42 > 0:37:45- The press were shouting, - "Over here, Kirk!"
0:37:46 > 0:37:47- "Give us a smile, Kirk!"
0:37:48 > 0:37:51- And from nowhere, I heard a voice.
0:37:51 > 0:37:53- "Hello, Stifyn, how are you?"
0:37:54 > 0:37:56- Daloni Metcalfe...
0:37:56 > 0:37:57- ..from Heno.
0:38:01 > 0:38:02- .
0:38:04 > 0:38:04- Subtitles
0:38:04 > 0:38:06- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:38:15 > 0:38:16- Good morning.
0:38:17 > 0:38:19- Well, it's not that good for me.
0:38:21 > 0:38:25- A week tonight, - it's the first Welsh show...
0:38:25 > 0:38:28- ..in front of Sir Tudur Owen...
0:38:28 > 0:38:30- ..at his place, Ty Golchi.
0:38:33 > 0:38:37- After three English performances, - I'm confident that the show is OK.
0:38:38 > 0:38:41- ..but I can't sit back - and think it'll be fine.
0:38:42 > 0:38:47- Nicely worried, stroke excited - is the best way to describe him.
0:38:47 > 0:38:49- You don't see him pacing the room.
0:38:49 > 0:38:52- Please give a noisy welcome...
0:38:52 > 0:38:55- Even months ago, - prior to the first night...
0:38:55 > 0:38:59- ..he was having meetings with people - and doing dry runs.
0:39:00 > 0:39:03- I came home from work one day - and I said...
0:39:03 > 0:39:06- .."Why is the stool - in the middle of the floor?"
0:39:06 > 0:39:09- "I did the show for the dogs - and they walked away."
0:39:09 > 0:39:12- "Then you need to work - on your delivery."
0:39:12 > 0:39:17- I have a lot of fond memories - while working with my company.
0:39:19 > 0:39:22- I worked for Stifyn for 12 years...
0:39:22 > 0:39:24- ..which is a long time!
0:39:26 > 0:39:30- I started as a coordinator - at the royal gala opening...
0:39:30 > 0:39:34- ..of the Wales Millennium Centre, - which was a great experience.
0:39:35 > 0:39:41- We had 10,000 people - singing karaoke.
0:39:42 > 0:39:46- People were fainting in awe from - being in the same room as the Queen.
0:39:47 > 0:39:51- I've been in countless rooms with - countless queens without fainting.
0:39:52 > 0:39:57- We went on to work on events - like Jones Jones Jones...
0:39:57 > 0:40:01- ..BAFTA Cymru - and lots of creative projects.
0:40:02 > 0:40:06- Stifyn and Mr Producer - are known for those big events.
0:40:11 > 0:40:16- We broke a Guinness world record. - All these bastards were Joneses.
0:40:21 > 0:40:22- Grace Jones.
0:40:22 > 0:40:26- Three quarters of the audience - had no idea who she was.
0:40:26 > 0:40:29- "What's this woman doing - after our Dai?"
0:40:31 > 0:40:33- This diva had such demands.
0:40:34 > 0:40:36- They all have demands.
0:40:36 > 0:40:41- Margaret Williams wants 12 puppies - and a box of butterflies.
0:40:41 > 0:40:45- Katherine Jenkins, - back when she started singing...
0:40:45 > 0:40:47- ..not that she has yet...
0:40:47 > 0:40:49- We worked hard.
0:40:49 > 0:40:53- But if anyone heard the noise from - the office, they might doubt it.
0:40:54 > 0:40:57- Back then, she only wanted - Dairy Milk and a towel.
0:40:57 > 0:41:00- Now, she wants the bloody lot.
0:41:00 > 0:41:02- It's a voice she wants.
0:41:02 > 0:41:03- I didn't say that!
0:41:03 > 0:41:07- The virtue that people - may not realize he has...
0:41:07 > 0:41:10- ..is that he treats - everyone the same way.
0:41:11 > 0:41:12- That is important.
0:41:13 > 0:41:17- If you're the head honcho - of some big corporation...
0:41:17 > 0:41:20- ..and you think - you're the bee's knees...
0:41:20 > 0:41:24- ..and that you turn left - for first class on a plane...
0:41:24 > 0:41:28- ..Stifyn would treat you the same - if you turned right for economy.
0:41:29 > 0:41:31- I've never been in a situation...
0:41:32 > 0:41:35- ..where people - have hidden from Stifyn.
0:41:36 > 0:41:39- It's an event, almost a privilege, - to be in his company.
0:41:40 > 0:41:44- From that rider, we'll move - seamlessly to the Ryder Cup.
0:41:45 > 0:41:48- I was at a high-powered meeting...
0:41:48 > 0:41:53- ..where America's top nobs - had come to discuss the production.
0:41:53 > 0:41:56- Someone named Arnold Palmer.
0:41:57 > 0:42:02- And I thought to myself, - how do this lot know him?
0:42:03 > 0:42:05- We always went to Prestatyn.
0:42:05 > 0:42:07- We had a lovely place to stay.
0:42:08 > 0:42:11- They used to go to play golf...
0:42:11 > 0:42:14- ..on the Arnold Palmer golf course.
0:42:15 > 0:42:16- For children.
0:42:16 > 0:42:20- As kids, we would go to Prestatyn's - Arnold Palmer Crazy Golf Course.
0:42:21 > 0:42:25- I thought that the guy - who handed out the clubs there...
0:42:25 > 0:42:27- ..was Arnold.
0:42:28 > 0:42:33- When I explained to them, - they gave me a round of applause.
0:42:33 > 0:42:35- I was so embarrassed.
0:42:36 > 0:42:39- Stifyn likes company.
0:42:39 > 0:42:42- If you're Stifyn's friend, - you're a friend forever.
0:42:43 > 0:42:46- But you mustn't hurt him. - His heart's in the right place.
0:42:46 > 0:42:49- Listen, Stifyn.
0:42:49 > 0:42:50- We've got bad news.
0:42:51 > 0:42:53- Your father's very ill.
0:42:53 > 0:42:56- Apparently, - because I don't remember this...
0:42:56 > 0:43:00- ..I hit him on his back - and told him not to lie.
0:43:00 > 0:43:01- That I knew he had died.
0:43:02 > 0:43:03- And he had.
0:43:04 > 0:43:07- After he lost his father, - we got even closer.
0:43:08 > 0:43:09- We became friends...
0:43:10 > 0:43:12- ..more than usual mothers and sons.
0:43:15 > 0:43:18- I remember thinking...
0:43:18 > 0:43:21- ..that I'd got something positive...
0:43:22 > 0:43:24- ..out of this enormous loss.
0:43:24 > 0:43:26- That there was more to life.
0:43:27 > 0:43:29- I had a different objective.
0:43:29 > 0:43:34- I could see the importance - of the bigger picture.
0:43:35 > 0:43:36- Not just losing my father.
0:43:37 > 0:43:42- I've lost almost every best friend - I've had to some illness or other.
0:43:43 > 0:43:45- But there are two ways to go.
0:43:45 > 0:43:48- You can either sit down and cry...
0:43:48 > 0:43:52- ..or actually celebrate - that I still have that life.
0:43:55 > 0:44:00- I remember - when I was just about to turn 50.
0:44:00 > 0:44:04- I realized that Dad - never reached 50.
0:44:06 > 0:44:09- I thought, I'd better lose - some of this weight...
0:44:10 > 0:44:13- ..and give myself health - as a present...
0:44:14 > 0:44:16- ..because I had everything else.
0:44:16 > 0:44:20- Everything I've done - since turning 50...
0:44:20 > 0:44:23- ..I've done in the knowledge...
0:44:23 > 0:44:26- ..that it's a privilege - to get the chance to do it.
0:44:26 > 0:44:29- As I said, he hasn't changed at all.
0:44:29 > 0:44:31- He's still confused.
0:44:31 > 0:44:36- The show's called Shut Your Mouth, - but he never has shut his mouth.
0:44:36 > 0:44:38- Not at all.
0:44:38 > 0:44:39- It was a wonderful day.
0:44:40 > 0:44:45- At twenty to three in the morning, - when I was with Gladys Knight...
0:44:45 > 0:44:50- ..Mick Hucknall, Art Garfunkel - and Catherine Zeta-Jones...
0:44:50 > 0:44:54- ..she sang Calon Lan - at the top of her voice.
0:44:55 > 0:44:58- # Calon larne in clown gaborney
0:44:58 > 0:45:02- # Taka do na lily drawers #
0:45:02 > 0:45:05- I thought, I can't wait to tell Mam.
0:45:08 > 0:45:09- Thanks very much.
0:45:09 > 0:45:11- You've been fantastic.
0:45:11 > 0:45:12- Thank you.
0:45:18 > 0:45:22- You can jump from a coal shed - in Rhosllannerchrugog...
0:45:23 > 0:45:26- ..to Michael Douglas's wedding.
0:45:26 > 0:45:29- It is ridiculous, - and that's the crux.
0:45:29 > 0:45:33- No-one else could create the show - because it hasn't happened to them.
0:45:34 > 0:45:37- But as you know, - some bits are just gold.
0:45:37 > 0:45:40- Mam. Mam is the star.
0:45:40 > 0:45:42- Consider paying her to go with you.
0:45:42 > 0:45:45- I don't have to pay. - She comes for no fee!
0:45:45 > 0:45:48- He's remarkable - because he works hard...
0:45:48 > 0:45:49- ..and he's funny.
0:45:50 > 0:45:51- Was it alright?
0:45:51 > 0:45:52- Was it alright?- - It was great.
0:45:53 > 0:45:54- Excellent.
0:45:54 > 0:45:55- Fabulous.
0:45:55 > 0:45:57- Fabulous.- - I enjoyed it loads. I'm so proud.
0:45:58 > 0:46:03- Mam said, "Stifyn! Sing until - the hole in your backside trembles!"
0:46:04 > 0:46:09- My chin hurts, my teeth hurt - and my cheeks hurt.
0:46:09 > 0:46:11- He's so naughty, isn't he?
0:46:12 > 0:46:14- Some of the stories I'm aware of.
0:46:14 > 0:46:18- I was at the same events. - To have his take on it, hysterical.
0:46:19 > 0:46:23- They said, "By the way, - your character's from Wrexham."
0:46:24 > 0:46:27- I wanted to come along - and enjoy it for what it was.
0:46:27 > 0:46:29- I was impressed. He did really well.
0:46:29 > 0:46:32- I was impressed. He did really well.- - Stifyn always pokes fun at Mam.
0:46:33 > 0:46:34- You were brilliant.
0:46:34 > 0:46:36- You were brilliant.- - But it comes from the right place.
0:46:37 > 0:46:40- He's had a fantastic time, - hasn't he?
0:46:40 > 0:46:42- Yes, I'm very proud of him.
0:46:43 > 0:46:46- Mam's still laughing, - after hearing it all so many times.
0:46:48 > 0:46:51- I wouldn't change a thing - about the adventure.
0:46:52 > 0:46:53- This was a dream.
0:46:53 > 0:46:56- I've been a closet stand-up - from the cradle.
0:46:57 > 0:46:59- But I have to find - the next challenge.
0:47:00 > 0:47:01- I like them.
0:47:02 > 0:47:06- We've lost a lot of people - and forgotten their contribution.
0:47:06 > 0:47:11- Come the day that he leaves us, - no-one will forget Stifyn Parri.
0:47:11 > 0:47:14- Who was having a pee - next to me? Tom Jones!
0:47:16 > 0:47:17- I had to have a look.
0:47:25 > 0:47:27- I phoned Marilyn.
0:47:28 > 0:47:29- "Mam, you'll never guess.
0:47:30 > 0:47:33- "I've seen - Tom Jones's thingamadooda...
0:47:33 > 0:47:36- ..and Shirley Bassey's - tu-whit tu-whoo!"
0:47:37 > 0:47:39- And what did Mam say?
0:47:39 > 0:47:42- "Oh, you're having a lovely time!"
0:48:03 > 0:48:06- S4C Subtitles by Testun Cyf.
0:48:06 > 0:48:07- .