Watch: Hal Draper’s starring role in the 2003 See Hear drama Grandad!

It is almost one year since Deaf actor Hal Draper passed away, so last week was an appropriate time for See Hear to broadcast one of his most fondly-remembered, but little seen roles – in the short film Grandad.

Although the film was written by William Mager (who went on to direct a range of films including Stiletto)and directed by Louis Neethling (whose brand-new Christmas film Tree Fairy premiered yesterday) it was only shown that one time, ten years ago in 2003.

As well as starring Hal Draper, the film also features Deaf actors Ilan Dwek, Sandra Duguid and David Sands, and we should also note, the most impressive beard yet seen in a Deaf drama.

When Grandad arrives for Christmas, it’s fair to say the family aren’t too excited about spending time with him, and he’s soon left at home with his grandson.

Inviting himself to a house party nearby, Grandad gets in a scrape, then shows off some impressive endurance skills as he drinks his whiskey.

As you can see in the photo above, he’s soon running the show… but can he resolve problems in his family?

Watching the film was a timely reminder of Hal Draper’s ability to inhabit a character, and for me, it’s one of his best roles.

Make sure you watch it while it’s still available on iPlayer!

Watch it here on BBC iPlayer from 10 mins into the programme, by clicking here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b03mjlqs/sign/See_Hear_Series_33_Episode_20/

By Charlie Swinbourne, Editor