Arriving in Adelaide after nine years and 105 international shows, GRAV pays a well-deserved tribute to Raymond Gravell (Grav). Actor Gareth J Bale delivers an empathetic performance of this much-loved son of Wales, rugby legend, family man and delightful spinner of yarns in this one-person show. 

Whether or not you’re into sports, Grav’s life was an entertaining mix of drama, humour, and tragedy both on and off the field. Set in a locker room, Bale beautifully weaves anecdotes of Gav’s childhood and his acting career post-rugby. One story involves Peter O’Toole, who he met during the filming of Rebecca’s Daughters: apparently Grav was in the make-up truck alongside an aloof and starry O’Toole, but when the make-up artist mentioned Grav’s name, O’Toole started reeling off his own personal highlights of Grav’s career. As well as the stardust, the play also shows his rugby achievements, particularly his perennial child-like awe on the field, and gives an intimate picture of the relationship with his parents, particularly his father. Between playwright Owen Thomas and Gareth J Bale’s performance, the commitment to paying an honourable tribute is clear in the masterful crafting and delivery of the story of Grav’s too short, but well-lived, life.