ONE OF the stars from the much-loved British comedy classic Porridge is currently playing the leading role in a new film dedicated to snooker.

Extended Rest, which is hoped to be screened to cinemas nationwide later this year, stars Tony Osoba, best known for playing ‘Jock’ McLaren in the famous 70s sitcom, who plays a retired professional player who tries to make a comeback in his sixties.

Osoba plays the role Terry “the Grenade” Kincaid, who after the death of his wife, returns to the only other thing he knows and loves, the old green baize.

Terry spends most of his time in his beloved local club, the location of which is Osoba’s real life haunt for playing snooker – The Twickenham Club which celebrates its 150th birthday next year.

In the film, Terry strikes a friendship with the club owner who is recently widowed and he stands by her and the club when a new member starts to take liberties, and a battle begins on the baize with more than just Terry’s pride at stake.

Coincidentally, news of the film’s release came just days after World Snooker chairman Barry Hearn announced former world champions would be able to make a comeback and play in the qualifying stages of the World Championship.

This is not the first time Osoba has played the role of a snooker player. In 1984, he appeared in the BBC’s drama series Give Us A Break, opposite Paul McGann, Robert Lindsay and actress Shirin Taylor, who also stars in Extended Rest and was previously married to Osoba’s character in Coronation Street.

For his role in Give Us A Break, Tony received training from Geoff Foulds, father of former world number three Neal Foulds, and what he learned has stayed with him – as he plays every shot in the new movie himself, without a stunt double.

Extended Rest, which also stars Dad’s Army legend Frank Williams, Z Cars star Ian Cullen, and former The Bill regular Ben Peyton among many other names, is written and directed by snooker fan Oliver Crocker

“I’ve grown up with snooker, and I’ve been to watch the Masters at Ally Pally several times with Tony (Osoba),” he said.

“I’ve wanted to make film about a snooker player for years, and it was over a few frames with Tony at the Twickenham Club that inspired me to write Extended Rest. Its not just a film about snooker, it’s about never being too old to give something a go, and if you have a passion and a talent for something, then go for it.”

“I’m so lucky to have a group of acting legends in this film, it’s a privilege to film them bringing my script to life and playing different characters against stereotype! Did you ever think you’d see The Vicar from Dads Army play snooker?”

“Release date is to be confirmed though we hope it will be this year. We have filmed and edited the first 20 minutes of the film, which is currently being graded and scored. We then start our next block of filming next month so its all exciting times.”

For more information about the film follow its Twitter page @Extended_Rest.

Pictures courtesy of Oliver Crocker.