A FILM on the life and legacy of a Gwent wrestling icon took a crucial step forward last week when filming began in his home town.

Feature film Adrian — currently in pre-production — will dramatise the life and legacy of ‘glam rock’ wrestler Adrian Street, who previously worked in Beynon’s Colliery in Blaina.

After running away from home at 16, the young miner moved to London and quickly established a reputation as a tough talking brawler with a flamboyant persona.

Following a location scout at Blaenavon’s Big Pit mining museum in September, director Joann Randles has started filming for the documentary that will accompany the feature film. The documentary will include interviews with family and friends and feature key locations from the wrestler’s youth and early career.

In a visit to Brynmawr on Monday, the film maker interviewed Adrian’s younger sister Pamela Gordon at her home and said the documentary has “got off to a fantastic start”.

“I believe making a documentary is as equally as important as the feature film drama,” she said.

“The documentary also looks at the history of Brynmawr and surrounding area and what life was like, not just down the pits but for families as well. We were keen to interview Pamela, not only because Adrian is her brother, but because of the wonderful and colourful stories she spoke of about Adrian as a boy and young man.” As part of the shoot, the director was given a tour of Brynmawr, visiting the schools Adrian attended as a boy, Brynmawr Grammar School and Brynmawr Comprehensive.

Now in his late 70s, Mr Street’s achievements range from a record deal and multiple autobiographic book releases, to helping design costumes for feature film The Wrestler (2008).

Although he called time on his career last year after around 15,000 wrestling matches, the former wrestler and his family will be closely involved with the production.

The grandfather-of-four currently lives in Florida and “has no plans to return to Britain”.

Ms Randles added: “The documentary is of historical importance and supports the true incredible story of Adrian Street by the people who know him best.”

To find out more on the upcoming film, search ‘Adrian Film’ on facebook or follow the film on twitter @FilmAdrian.