Grav-itas.... sums it up. Yes, indeed

Review by regular contributor Val Ruloff 

Kudos to the team behind this production. It is presented with real flourish and aplomb.

Gareth John Bale gives a performance with genuine fervour, soaring up into something of spiritual heights. He conveys the conviction of Grav to always, "do the best I can" and be the best he can be… with every try in every game and every trial encountered. He then just as quickly plummets back down to earth and ordinariness. Here is humanity and humility, complete with flaws and quirks, insecurities and vulnerabilities.

The writing by Owen Thomas is sublime... with some great lines. After all, who wouldn't be enthralled and intrigued by the suggestion of "Owain Glyndwr in size 10" rugby boots?

Peter Doran's direction is superb, culminating in the tenth anniversary gala production on Saturday, 12th October and a milestone of 200 performances having been reached.

The set design is very effective. It is authentic and creates a stark locker-room/ changing room atmosphere. Props are used to dramatic effect and with simplicity. The sound effects and music are extremely evocative and very well done. We hear the strains of "Mae hen wlad fy nhadau" and "Sosban fach" playing gently. 

Credits go to Frankie Bradshaw, Designer; Andrew Sturley, Production Manager; Tyla Thomas, Stage Manager. Well-earned credit also to Technical Team members Andrew Sturley, Simon Evans, Jake Dyer and George White.

Some beautiful imagery is contained in the play. This includes the mountain overlooking Grav's childhood home in Mynydd-y-Garreg and the Welsh Princess, Gwenllian. There's a wonderful simile featuring Fred Flintstone to make comparison of his speed whilst sliding down the dinosaur to hurry "home for his tea". We're then treated to a scene picturing the first-aider (and bearer of the fabled "magic sponge" of sports legend) dabbling in alchemy at his kitchen table. Let's just say that his pharmaceutical skills owe a debt to Smarties and the wonder of Woolworths. 

The picture of a true son of Wales begins to emerge via a budding friendship with Peter O'Toole, telegram greetings name-checking the family cat and a spectrum of vivid emotions ranging from utter distress and tragedy to humour, laughter, light hearted teasing and banter.

Yabbadabba-do come along! 

Yabbadabba-don't miss it!