{"id":5521,"date":"2015-03-06T15:19:08","date_gmt":"2015-03-06T15:19:08","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/cardiffian.jomec.co.uk\/?p=5521"},"modified":"2015-03-06T15:19:08","modified_gmt":"2015-03-06T15:19:08","slug":"review-crouch-touch-pause-engage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/2015\/03\/06\/review-crouch-touch-pause-engage\/","title":{"rendered":"Review: Crouch, Touch, Pause, Engage"},"content":{"rendered":"

Robin Soans\u2019 adaptation of the now legendary story of Welsh rugby star Gareth \u201cAlfie\u201d Thomas is<\/a> as dark as it is moving. The story begins in early 1990s Bridgend, after the mines were closed. A young Alfie, played by every member of the ensemble cast at different times, is making his name in the sport as the town descends into poverty. Meanwhile, Welsh rugby undergoes a series of changes that spells the end for Bridgend RFC,<\/a> whose Saturday afternoon matches at The Brewery Field were the highlight of the week for locals.
\nThomas\u2019 story is interwoven with that of Darcy (Lauren Roberts), whose isolation and attempted suicide is a metaphor for the plight of Bridgend. Even Lord Neil Kinnock (Patrick Brennan) makes an appearance as the austerity of early 90s Wales provides a backdrop for Thomas\u2019 struggle. Highlights of the first half include the dialogue of Vonnie (Bethan Witcomb) and Baz (Rhys ap WIlliam), Alfie\u2019s parents, who capture that small-town Welsh ethos beautifully \u2013 and hilariously.
\nThe story gets increasingly darker as Alfie\u2019s sexuality comes to the fore. The rugby ball and Wales jersey carried and worn by every actor playing the role reflects the burden Thomas felt as Welsh captain, and of course the weight of his secret. A fascinating scene charts the moment, when on the eve of Wales\u2019 clash with England in 2001<\/a>, The Sun<\/a> almost outed him as gay \u2013 only for the story to be pulled.
\nAfter the interval, the audience\u2019s heartstrings are plucked, with the conclusion of Alfie\u2019s story. His contemplation of suicide and revelation to best friend \u201cCompo\u201d (Daniel Hawksford) are beautifully acted. But the climax comes too soon and we are left with Alfie the TV personality and Alfie the lecturer, rather than Alfie the rugby hero. We are also left with Bridgend, still struggling to adapt to the 21st century.
\nThe action is set in a changing room, with words like \u201cEndurance\u201d and \u201cTeamwork\u201d etched in scarlet ink on the walls, a minimalistic setting for a story which tells itself. Thomas\u2019 pain is simply told, with simple direction, but to great effect.
\nThe Welsh flag is flown proudly in Soans\u2019 script which is humorous and candid. Hawksford\u2019s performance as Compo, a traditional, heterosexual rugby-playing bloke is brilliant. His abrupt manner and tough love for his mate Alfie represents a victory for comradeship in the face of cruel jeers and taunts.
\nThe standing ovation was perhaps a stretch but nonetheless\u00a0Crouch, Touch, Pause, Engage<\/em><\/a>\u00a0is an instant hit whether you love rugby or not. A wonderfully honest celebration of acceptance, tradition and loyalty. Thomas truly is a legend \u2013 his bravery on and off the field is laudable.\u200b
\nHere’s the trailer:
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