RTVE BEGINS PRODUCTION ON 'CHIQUITO THE GREAT '

The series chronicles the life of Gregorio Sánchez Fernández, from his childhood as a musical prodigy in post-war Spain to becoming one of the country's most iconic comedians at the age of 63

RTVE has begun production on 'Chiquito the Great' ('Chiquito el Grande'), a two-part drama that tells the extraordinary life story of Gregorio Sánchez Fernández, from his early years as a child musical prodigy in post-war Spain to his remarkable rise as one of the country's most beloved comedians at the age of 63.

Blending comedy and drama, the series is directed by Jacobo Martos and Alfonso Sánchez, and is co-produced by Warner Bros. ITVP Spain and Mundoficción Producciones in association with RTVE. The screenplay is written by Vladi Ráez, Fali Álvarez and Marta Sánchez.

Actor Alfonso Sánchez stars as the legendary comedian, while Inma Cuevas plays Pepita, the love of his life. The cast also includes Alberto López, Carlos Bardem, Jesús Carmona, Antonio Dechent, Carmen Avilés, Joaquín Núñez, Mari Paz Sayago and Leonor Lavado, portraying the key figures who accompanied the comedian throughout his remarkable journey.

Filming is taking place entirely in Andalusia over the coming weeks, with a predominantly Andalusian cast and crew. Production will visit a range of locations recreating post-war Málaga, the iconic flamenco venues of Torremolinos during the tourism boom of the 1960s and 1970s, and the settings associated with the television phenomenon that transformed Spanish comedy in the 1990s. Several scenes are also being filmed at RTVE's Production Centre in Andalusia, located in Seville.

The project further reinforces RTVE's commitment to Andalusian talent, with Seville-born Alfonso Sánchez serving not only as the lead actor, but also as co-director, co-writer and co-producer. His television credits include acclaimed series for both regional and national broadcasters, such as the TVE classics Herederos, Paco y Veva and ¡Ala… Dina!. As a filmmaker, he is best known for directing the successful El mundo es nuestro trilogy and for his performances in the box-office hits Spanish Affair (Ocho apellidos vascos) and Spanish Affair 2 (Ocho apellidos catalanes), as well as the critically acclaimed film Unit 7 (Grupo 7), directed by Alberto Rodríguez.

Chiquito the Great (Chiquito el Grande)

Across two 90-minute episodes, Chiquito the Great traces more than six decades in the life of Gregorio Sánchez Fernández, the man who achieved extraordinary success well into his sixties. From post-war Málaga and the flamenco venues of the Costa del Sol to the television phenomenon that revolutionised Spanish comedy in the 1990s, the series follows the remarkable journey of an artist whose greatest triumph came when few expected it.

Rather than simply recounting the success of Chiquito de la Calzada, the drama shines a light on the perseverance, resilience and humanity of a performer who found fame later in life against all odds.

More than the story of a comedian, Chiquito the Great is the portrait of a humble man devoted to both his craft and the love of his life, whose unique outlook on life ultimately won the hearts of an entire nation. A heartfelt comedy-drama that promises to make audiences laugh, while moving them in equal measure.