SWAPPING the rugby field for a film set has proved to be a successful move for a Brecon Beacons-based actor.

Simon Pengelly starred for Welsh premiership sides Neath and Ebbw Vale on the field and has now landed his first lead role in a film.

Antwerp Dolls, a gangster film will be shown in Wales for the first time on Friday, June 3 at Brecon’s Theatr Brycheiniog.

Reporter Jessica Amos spoke to 33-year-old Simon, of Trecastle, who as well as being a former semi-professional rugby player and actor, has a trade and is a self employed builder.

Q: Can you tell me a bit about your upcoming film?

Simon: "My new film Anterwerp Dolls will be released following the UK premier on May 21 in the Mayfair Hotel, London.

"The Welsh premier will be held in Theatr Brycheiniog on June 3. Tickets are still available from Theatr Brycheiniog and all proceeds from the evening will go to Cancer Research Wales."

Q: How did your sudden move to a career in acting come about?

Simon: "Acting is something I’ve always wanted to do I just didn’t have the courage to have a go until I was in my 20s.

"I’ve never done any professional acting courses but I have done a few short courses in stunts. I do all my own stunts in the independent films I’ve been in so far."

Q: How long has your current film been in the making?

Simon: "Anterwerp Dolls was filmed over five years. It’s an independent film that has been funded by the director and writer Jake L Ried and so there has been a few delays and things. It’s the first feature film that I have been in playing a lead role. I play Steve who is one of the lead characters and it’s a gangster style film with shootouts and double-crossings."

Q: Have you had much feedback about the film so far?

Simon: "It’s already won a few awards at film festivals in America. It won best feature film at Poinciana festival and best action film at Trimfest."

Q: What has been the highlight for you while filming?

Simon: "It’s been great fun filming and going back and for to Bristol to meet with the guys."

Q: Are you looking forward to showing the film to your friends and family in Brecon?

Simon: "Yes of course. Another reason for having the premiere in Brecon is because the film has been partly funded by some Brecon residents. Graham Guest, Andrew Owens, Gareth Price, Michael Jones and another who wished not to be named have helped to fund the film. Local businesses will be donating food and drink for after the screening."

Q: What advice would you give to anyone who wishes to go into acting?

Simon: "It’s never too late to pursue a dream and my advice to anyone who wants to go into the field of acting is just to ignore all the negativity that you will hear from people in the beginning."

Q: Do you have a favourite actor who inspires you?

Simon: "My favourite actor at the moment is Leanardo Decaprio. His performance in the Revenant was inspiring."

Q::What other productions have you been involved with in the past?

Simon: "Other things that I’ve been in include Being Human and Merlin. I’m also in a film called Instant Death which stars Lou Ferrigno It was a really big thing for me to meet him and to work alongside him.

"We are also in the middle of shooting a Welsh comedy horror called Big Girl. I have a few other films coming up one being an urban comedy, two action thrillers and one sci-fi. As long as the budget comes in for all of them."

Tickets for the Brecon premiere are available from Theatr Brycheiniog.