10/10
Essex and Wales collide when Gavin and Stacey fall in love and bring their friends, family and luggage with them. Apart from the scenes filmed in London for the first episode, the entire series was filmed in Wales, including the scenes set in the film. Essex. The house used by the shipmans’ (Gavin’s family) house is in Dinas Powys, a village a mile north-west of Barry, where the Wests (Stacey’s family) live. In series 3, both Bryn and Gav’s cars have completely different registration numbers to the previous series. Gavin’s blue Saxo has changed from a T-reg model (MY 1999) to an X-reg model (MY 2000). Bryn’s green Picasso has changed from a CV02 (MY 2002, registered in Cardiff) to a HV54 (MY 2004, registered in Portsmouth). They are clearly different cars. Introducing Gavin & Stacey: Outtakes (2007). Directed by Stephen Fretwell Presented by Stephen Fretwell. This was a delightful, short, minimal engagement that lasted two or three days. It’s nothing groundbreaking and it’s not going to move mountains or change paradigms. Rather, it’s a character study of two (extended) families who come together – one from Wales, one from England – after the couple join forces and get married. It’s a light, fun and friendly watch. I wish there were more shows like this where each of the characters is kind, loving, common sense and thinks and expresses love for their lives despite their flaws. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s not contrived either. It’s a heartfelt slice of life and it’s wonderful. It’s not the laugh-out-loud comedy that British comedies often are. Rather, that’s because of the characters. Highly recommended.