Devon

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-where">WHAT/WHERE?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/Exe-Men-scrum-c-Craig-Fuller.jpg" alt="Exe Men at Exeter Northcott Theatre " class="wp-image-80774" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/Exe-Men-scrum-c-Craig-Fuller.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/Exe-Men-scrum-c-Craig-Fuller-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/Exe-Men-scrum-c-Craig-Fuller-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/Exe-Men-scrum-c-Craig-Fuller-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Full disclosure, Muddy isn&#8217;t exactly a regular at Sandy Park and yet we weren&#8217;t going to miss this new Exeter Northcott production. Why? Under the directorship of Martin Berry, the university theatre is producing some fantastic new plays &#8211; in and of the South West &#8211; including last year&#8217;s Commotion Time and <a href="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/review-romeo-and-juliet-northcott-theatre-exeter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Romeo &amp; Juliet</a> which won a huge Muddy thumbs-up.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lowdown">THE LOWDOWN</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/Joe-Feeney-in-Exe-Men-c-Craig-Fuller.jpg" alt="Joe-Feeney-in-Exe-Men-c-Craig-Fuller" class="wp-image-80781" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/Joe-Feeney-in-Exe-Men-c-Craig-Fuller.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/Joe-Feeney-in-Exe-Men-c-Craig-Fuller-533x800.jpg 533w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/Joe-Feeney-in-Exe-Men-c-Craig-Fuller-667x1000.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/Joe-Feeney-in-Exe-Men-c-Craig-Fuller-768x1152.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Joe Feeney in Exe Men / Credit Craig-Fuller</figcaption></figure>



The latest creation, <a href="https://exeternorthcott.co.uk/events/exe-men/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Exe Men</a>, is based on Robert Kitson’s book of the same name about the astonishing rise and rise of Devon’s beloved Exeter Chiefs.&nbsp;They did not tackle it alone and persuaded playwright Ashley Pharoah (he of Ashes to Ashes and Life on Mars fame) to try his hand at writing for theatre. 



As a lifelong player and fan of rugby Pharaoh was an impeccable choice and clearly loved the process. I suspect we will be seeing more theatre work from him. After all, the story of the remarkable achievements of a small and rather insignificant local team making their unlikely way to&nbsp;the very top of the European league is so joyous and uplifting, and with so many twists along the way. How could he resist?



The lovely Steve Knightley (Show of Hands) has written a song specifically for the production which he performed for us on the night. Apparently, he grew up next to the old County Ground in Exeter and rugby was his first love.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lowdown-0">THE LOWDOWN</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="759" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/Exe-Men-cast-c-Craig-Fuller.jpg" alt="the cast of Exe Men at Exeter Northcott Theatre " class="wp-image-80779" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/Exe-Men-cast-c-Craig-Fuller.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/Exe-Men-cast-c-Craig-Fuller-800x405.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/Exe-Men-cast-c-Craig-Fuller-1000x506.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/Exe-Men-cast-c-Craig-Fuller-768x389.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit Craig-Fuller</figcaption></figure>



The story follows the transition of an unfashionable rugby team leaving obscurity to become the double-winning champions of England in Europe. Personal stories of sacrifice, determination, local pride abound. It doesn&#8217;t shy from the sheer hard work by this band of ‘misfit’ players gathered from all over, including farmers, fishermen, Irish and Australian players all of whom had never quite been given a chance. But it&#8217;s only under the kind and determined hand of manager Rob Baxter, that they came together to bond: a real family who play and party together leading to the almost impossible rise to success.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-set">THE SET</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/Exe-Men-set-c-Craig-Fuller.jpg" alt="Exe Men at Exeter Northcott Theatre " class="wp-image-80777" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/Exe-Men-set-c-Craig-Fuller.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/Exe-Men-set-c-Craig-Fuller-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/Exe-Men-set-c-Craig-Fuller-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/Exe-Men-set-c-Craig-Fuller-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit Craig-Fuller</figcaption></figure>



A huge Muddy tick for the stage, which has audience members almost entirely encircling the players, giving you that ‘ringside seat’ vibe. Clever use of props allows the stage to move from the domestic to the stadium in simple and surprising ways. The rugby theme ticks along in the background, so when sets are changed the ‘players’ run on in formation and grab the chairs, as if heading for the posts. It means the momentum never slows and the high-octane excitement really zips along. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-performance">PERFORMANCE</h2>



The professional cast is enhanced by a&nbsp;wonderfully inclusive cast of&nbsp;local performers who look stoked to be part of the story, adding to the pace and electrifying energy. They are often hilarious too, with loads of laugh out loud moments. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/Micha-Colombo-as-Jo-Baxter-and-Emile-Ruddock-as-John-Baxter-in-Exe-Men-c-Craig-Fuller.jpg" alt="Micha Columbo in Exe Men at Exeter Northcott Theatre " class="wp-image-80775" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/Micha-Colombo-as-Jo-Baxter-and-Emile-Ruddock-as-John-Baxter-in-Exe-Men-c-Craig-Fuller.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/Micha-Colombo-as-Jo-Baxter-and-Emile-Ruddock-as-John-Baxter-in-Exe-Men-c-Craig-Fuller-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/Micha-Colombo-as-Jo-Baxter-and-Emile-Ruddock-as-John-Baxter-in-Exe-Men-c-Craig-Fuller-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/Micha-Colombo-as-Jo-Baxter-and-Emile-Ruddock-as-John-Baxter-in-Exe-Men-c-Craig-Fuller-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit Craig-Fuller</figcaption></figure>



Highlights for me included the Tony Rowe character, the key financial backer and in some ways the lynchpin around which the new team begins to coalesce. He narrates much of the play, and actor Tim Hudson embodies him completely.



Joe Feeney delivered a powerful and emotional performance. Very believable as a rugby player &#8211; both playing and partying! Not sure if he is actually Irish but if not, he is jaw-droppingly good at accents!



Misha Colombo (above) skilfully plays a number of roles, but in her key role as Jo Baxter (Rob’s wife) adds hugely to the personal plot lines that ran interweaving their way through the play. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/Robert-Shaw-Cameron-as-Rob-Baxter-in-Exe-Men-c-Craig-Fuller.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-80785" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/Robert-Shaw-Cameron-as-Rob-Baxter-in-Exe-Men-c-Craig-Fuller.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/Robert-Shaw-Cameron-as-Rob-Baxter-in-Exe-Men-c-Craig-Fuller-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/Robert-Shaw-Cameron-as-Rob-Baxter-in-Exe-Men-c-Craig-Fuller-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/Robert-Shaw-Cameron-as-Rob-Baxter-in-Exe-Men-c-Craig-Fuller-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Robert Shaw Cameron as Rob Baxter / Credit Craig-Fuller</figcaption></figure>



The audience, even some who had never seen a rugby game in their lives&nbsp;laughed, cried and cheered at the highs and the lows as if they had all been avid rugger fans since birth. And for true fans, what a trip down memory lane! Conversations around me afterward, including from players (who liberally peppered the audience),&nbsp;relived many of the glory moments, including more raucous stories of the celebrations and commiserations of after-match parties.



Arguably, the second half had a couple of scenes with possibly too long granular descriptions of key games which would only be of interest to a super-fan. Put across in an exciting way, for sure, but that&#8217;s the only point my attention did begin to wander.



Ultimately, though, the skill of the playwright is in bringing the human, the everyday, the emotional journeys of the individual players to life as keenly as the depictions of the game itself. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">The Muddy Verdict</h2>



A total joy. Enthralling from the kickoff. The scrum of creatives converting the sports story to a theatre piece is a big goal to tackle, but they drop kicked it over spectacularly and scored.



Good for: Rugby fans and seekers of uplifting humorous positive life stories whether you are a fan of the odd shaped ball or not.



Not for: Youngsters, some totally expected and appropriate fulsome swearing and a spot of light nudity so best leave the little ones at home.



The damage: Tickets £12-£80



<a href="https://exeternorthcott.co.uk/events/exe-men/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Exe Men</a> is on at Exeter Northcott until Sat 18 Oct 2025. Running time: 130 minutes, including interval. Age 12+ (with parental guidance).

Review: Exe Men, Northcott Theatre, Exeter

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