From pitch to stage... The Exe Men!

This October, Exeter’s Northcott Theatre will bring an extraordinary local legend to the stage with Exe Men, a brand-new play capturing the rise of the Exeter Chiefs from humble beginnings to double-winning champions of England and Europe.

The show is based on the book Exe Men: The Extraordinary Rise of the Exeter Chiefs by Robert Kitson and has been adapted for the stage by Emmy Award–winning screenwriter Ashley Pharoah, celebrated for his work on Life on Marsand Ashes to Ashes.

Creative direction comes from Martin Berry of the Northcott, who will lead a professional cast supported by a community ensemble. Local residents are invited to audition to be part of the ensemble until 19 May.

Executives from Exeter Northcott describe Exe Men as “a hugely entertaining and uplifting underdog tale full of regional pride, local heroes, personal struggles and a lot of laughs.”

Exeter Chiefs chairman Tony Rowe CBE added that the play “perfectly demonstrates just how special the journey of our club has been,” from its early days to becoming double champions. The production is being described as one of the most stirring West Country dramas since Poldark.

Performances will run from 7 to 18 October at the Northcott Theatre, located at Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QB. Tickets start from £18, with a £2 discount available for under-18s. The run will include accessible performances: BSL-interpreted (9 Oct), captioned (11 Oct matinee), audio-described (11 Oct evening), and a relaxed performance (18 Oct).

To find out more and for tickets, click here.