BWW Reviews: CROUCH TOUCH PAUSE ENGAGE, The Arcola Theatre, May 22 2015

National Theatre Wales and Out of Joint have teamed up to create a small-scale but important play. Using an ensemble cast, playwright Robin Soans tells the story of Gareth Thomas, rugby player from Bridgend in Wales.

Crouch Touch Pause Engage is about a rugby hero and gay icon; Thomas was the first British sportsman to come out in over twenty years. Despite being hounded by a vicious media, who suspected his then secret, Thomas came to terms with his sexuality and bravely shared it with the sports world. His subsequent work in the community of his hometown make Thomas's story all the more inspirational. However, what makes this piece so powerful is that it not only shows us a famous rugby player's struggles, but it also depicts an ordinary teenage girl from Bridgend's life story - so far - in conjunction with Thomas's. Max Stafford-Clark's direction is very strong, as the actors seamlessly move from character to character, with each of them playing Thomas by turn. This achieved an unusual level of equality within the cast, akin to that of a sports team and suggesting the universality of Thomas's tale.

That said, actress Lauren Roberts stood out in her honest portrayals of Gareth Thomas and Darcey; she also displayed a lovely singing voice - as did the entire cast with their impressive ensemble singing. Though not utilised too much, this was an atmospheric move by Stafford-Clark, as were the abstract physical moments of the show. Rhys Ap William and Daniel Hawksford also provided fantastically genuine performances.

All in all, though rugby may well not be your sport or sport in general may not be your thing, this is a great play about the human struggle and people overcoming their difficulties. Perhaps it is more inspirational if you are a Wales fan, but it is at least heart-warming to the average theatre-goer. The cast plainly believe they are telling an amazing story; by the end of the show, the audience does, too.

Crouch Touch Pause Engage runs at the Arcola Theatre until June 20 and contains mental health themes which may be distressing.

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