Letter to Blanchy - Shield Fever (Series Two, Episode One)

In this excerpt from legendary comedy duo McPhail and Gadsby's backblocks comedy, Barry (Jon Gadsby) wakes up after a boozy night at the local clubrooms to find he's scored — lying next to him is the biggest prize in Kiwi provincial rugby, the Ranfurly Shield. Barry turns to his best mate Derek (David McPhail) who cooks up a plan to return the shield anonymously to the police station. But the pair's 'secret' drop off results in unexpected drama. Unlike most New Zealand TV comedies at the time, Letter to Blanchy often left the studio to go on location. McPhail's real life wife Anne plays his on-screen partner Dulcie.

I thought I knew this community pretty well but I didn't think we could sink to that.

– Derek (David McPhail) is shocked to hear someone in Nettleton has 'stolen' the Ranfurley Shield

Key Cast & Crew

AK Grant

Writer

Anne McPhail

As: Dulcie

David McPhail

Writer, As: Derek

Peter Rowley

As: Ray

Jon Gadsby

Writer, As: Barry

Gary Moore

Director