“It shows what can be achieved with a strong will and pure determination”
16:05, 23 Feb 2026Updated 16:08, 23 Feb 2026
A still image from the ITVx documentary ‘Syd’ about Bristol cricket legend David ‘Syd’ Lawrence(Image: ITV)
A new documentary telling the story of the legendary West Country cricketer David ‘Syd’ Lawrence is being premiered in Bristol tonight, Monday, February 23, ahead of its screening on TV later this week.
Simply entitled ‘Syd’, the ITV documentary features the thoughts of cricket legends and friends like Phil Tufnell, Jack Russell and the great Sir Viv Richards, talking about the Gloucestershire and England fast bowler, who went on to become a prominent Bristol nightclub and music venue owner, and the President of Gloucestershire County Cricket Club.
The documentary, put together by ITV West anchor Sabet Choudhury, is being screened for the first time at the Watershed this evening from 6pm, and will be broadcast on ITVx on Thursday evening.
“Syd is the inspirational story of a man who never backed down from a challenge,” said Sabet.
(Image: Bristol Live)
“As a cricketer, David ‘Syd’ Lawrence was a fearsome fast bowler, who reached the top of the game to become the first British-born Black player to represent England.
“Although his career was cut short by an injury, described as one of the worst in sporting history, his achievements off the field have to be seen to be believed,” he added.
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“In this film, Syd’s family and friends including Phil Tufnell, Jonathan Agnew, Jack Russell and Sir Viv Richards recount a story that shows what can be achieved with a strong will and pure determination,” he added.
Syd Lawrence fought a brave battle against Motor Neurone Disease which took him rapidly in just over a year. He died in June last year, and his funeral attracted big names across Bristol and the cricketing world.