The Exeter Chiefs
I never imagined the story of Exeter Chiefs would become a stage play but I think it perfectly demonstrates just how special the journey of our club has been.
From the origins of my involvement with the club, to ‘The Originals’ and the double-winning champions — it is all integral to our story. This play is a funny and entertaining representation of the history of Exeter Chiefs and I look forward to watching it live.
Tony Rowe CBE, Exeter Rugby Club Chairman and CEO
Hear from some of the Creatives
We sat down with some of the people working tirelessly behind the scenes to bring the extraordinary story of the Exeter Chiefs to life, for an insight into the production process.
Ashley Pharoah
Playwright & Screenwriter
Robert Kitson
Rugby Correspondent & Author (Exe Men)
Kim Healey
Movement Director
Maria Terry
Set and Costume Designer
Ashley, how did you come to adapt Exe Men for the stage?
ASHLEY: I was approached by Martin Berry (pictured), the Northcott’s Creative Director, to adapt Robert Kitson’s book Exe Men into a play. I’ve been a screenwriter all my life and had never written for the stage before, so I was a bit surprised! But Martin knew I was from the South West, knew I loved rugby. I read Rob’s book and was really impressed by it, talked it all through with Martin who promised to hold my hand and signed on the dotted line. I do go the theatre a lot and in the end I’m dealing with characters and stories and dialogue, dreams and disappointments, so writing a play turned out not so very different.
I’ve always been a passionate West-Country writer and it sometimes feels our stories aren’t seen enough on screens or stages. So to write a play about Exeter, performed in Exeter, watched by the people of Exeter, is incredibly exciting. A privilege, actually.
Robert, did you ever think your book would be adapted into a play?
ROBERT: Not in a million years. You don’t write rugby books with stage shows in mind! It was hugely flattering to receive a call from Exeter Northcott, and an absolute pleasure to work with people whose creativity I previously admired from afar. I was a big fan of Life on Mars and Ashes to Ashes back in the day so it has been a real thrill to liaise with the brilliant Ashley Pharoah. He has done a fabulous job with the script and added another dimension to the story.
Exe Men is based on the real-life story of the Exeter Chiefs. How closely does the book follow real-life events?
ROBERT: The familiar pillars are all in place. The early years at the old County Ground, promotion to the Prem, the fairy tale finals, the league and European titles. But, as I say, it’s not just about the rugby. Primarily I wanted the book to focus on the people at the heart of the adventure, their emotions and their varied backstories. Not forgetting all the dressing-room camaraderie and humour.
What about the show?
ASHLEY: The play follows the trajectory of the Chiefs’ journey, from the old, struggling amateur club through to the European final. So the events are true and many of the characters are based on real people but there is also a lot of imagination at play. Very early on I knew I didn’t want it to be a “realistic” retelling of the story but a theatrical reimagining of it. The story itself has a fairy tale gleam to it and I think our play will have that too
MARIA: My job as a designer is to make the scenery as recognisable as possible to players, audience and fans old and new, whilst keeping to tight budgets and deadlines within the theatre world! Audiences can expect lots of references to times, experiences and locations past and present as we travel through a biographic journey of the ‘making’ of the Exeter Chiefs. We will travel to The Globe in Topsham, various South West and national rugby clubs, homes, gardens, changing rooms, a farm and even a service station – to name a few!
What are you most excited about seeing come to life on stage?
KIM: I’m particularly fascinated by the champion-crowning moment — can we capture the magnitude of that moment in time?
ROBERT: I’m very much looking forward to Brad Pitt playing the role of a bald West Country-based rugby writer. Sorry, what’s that? He can’t make it? Fair enough, but I think people will still enjoy the stage versions of Tony Rowe, Rob Baxter, Gareth Steenson, Thomas Waldrom et al. Some extraordinary characters have been involved with the ascent of Exeter Chiefs and Ashley’s script is enormous fun.
ASHLEY: It’ll be really interesting to see how they stage the rugby. It’s all very well me writing about a match but seeing how Martin and his creative team interpret those words on stage will be fascinating.
How do you go about translating the scale of a rugby match and pitch to a theatre stage?
MARIA: The set will be a replica in stage form of Sandy Park stadium. At pivotal moments in the story – as many of you will know – there are some edge-of-your-seat games in which we will see the ‘Chiefs’ play live in front of our eyes in a theatrically choreographed form.
KIM: We are at the beginning of our collective creative process, but it is certainly the intention to embrace the essence of scrums, mauls, line outs, kicking, try-scoring action, truck and trailering (contentious, I know), rucks etc. We aim to be inspired by these facets of the game and create a movement language that harnesses their shapes and intentions, from the personal battles and moments therein to their impact on the story of a match.
Why is it a must-see experience?
ROBERT: I hope people of all ages will enjoy Exe Men for what it is: a rousing celebration of South-West spirit and endeavour against the odds. How exactly did the cream of Devon rise to the top? Exeter Chiefs’ ascent to the summit of Europe is still among the most compelling rags-to-riches stories in British team sport – and no-one else had more fun along the way!
ASHLEY: I hope audiences will be entertained, moved, amused. We live in difficult times and this story about a disparate bunch of individuals finding glory by working together as a team is very emotional, funny and — I hope — relevant in all aspects of our lives.
Inside the Rehearsal Room
More to come! Don’t forget to check back here and keep an eye on our social media accounts for more insights behind the scenes as we get closer to opening night.
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