Mine All Mine (ITV1): MY advice to anyone watching Griff Rhys Jones in his new light-hearted drama, Mine All Mine is turn the sound down on the TV.

Nothing in the Vivaldi family is done quietly - the characters all shout, doors are slammed and music is played at full volume. The noisy introduction to the strangest family in Wales only added to the madness of this new series.

The Vivaldi family is headed by Max, brilliantly played by Rhys Jones, who keeps coming up with madcap schemes to make his fortune.

But unlike Peckham's Del Boy, Max already has a claim to fame and possible riches.

He has an ancient document that he believes proves that his family owns the whole of Swansea. The only thing is, no-one will take him seriously.

To Max, the document is a party piece he brings out to impress visitors or to show neighbours who upset him.

Cue the arrival of a valuer from a London auction house summoned to the Vivaldi house to put a price on a 1970s phone. He hears Max's story about his ancestors but rather than laughing, he is taken in by the romance of the situation (and his immediate attraction for Max's eldest daughter) and sets about proving that it is all true.

The great writing by Russell T Davies in this comedy drama means Max's mad family are all too believable. It takes a certain kind of talent to make a scene when a girl is dumped by her boyfriend both touching and funny enough to laugh out loud.

Thrown into the mix were a Pop Idol audition, Max's wife running off with her lover and an appearance by a grey-haired Ruth Madoc.

The action moved at breakneck speed, which made sure the audience didn't have time (or the inclination) to think too deeply about what was going on - you just went with the flow.

It's very rare to find a new drama that actually works. You may recognise a bit of the Royles, Trotters or Battersbys in the Vivaldi clan but there are enough original characters and ideas to keep you tuned in.

My only concern is that after such a busy and utterly crazy opening episode, will the series be able to maintain its momentum over all five episodes, or will it disintegrate into slapstick farce?

Published: 26/11/2004