Grav

 Grav

*****

Don’t let the fact you know nothing about Rugby stop you going to see Gareth L Bale  in Grav. In fact don’t let anything stop you. It is beautiful piece of theatre acted out in a sports locker room as Ray Gravell, legendary rugby player who played for Wales, the British and Irish Lions and the Barbarians prepares for the game.

That is only part of the story for after his rugby career had ended Ray Gravell, known as Grav, worked in the media, as an actor and a champion for the Welsh language. This love of the language is reflected in the script by Owen Thomas. Dylan Thomas would not be ashamed to claim it. The  words are as much poetry as prose, spoken by Gareth J Bale as he brings Grav’s story vividly to life. This was a man who was passionate about his sport and his team mates, passionate about Wales and deeply involved with his family. These threads are woven into a portrayal which has the audience  move from laughing one moment to coming close to tears at others. His relationship with his parents is one of the cornerstones of the play together with his passion for rugby and his strong love for Wales. There is pathos and humour. The story of when he first met Peter O’Toole on a film set is hilarious. The story of his father’s death deeply affecting.

Set in the locker room as Grav prepares for a match, the audience is brought to share his thoughts, doubts, triumphs and idiosyncrasies. We are held in the palm of his hand, ready to march out with him to the rugby field and victory. As intimate theatre Gareth draws the audience in strongly without ever invading personal space.

Grav has won awards and great reviews in Britain. Now in Adelaide this is our chance to see what has been described as ‘ a perfect script with a perfect actor’.

Season 13 Feb -17 March Holden Street Theatres- Ruby’s 

Tickets through Holden Street Theatres Box Office or FringeTIX.