Essendon Champions | From Thurgood to Hird at Chapel Off Chapel

Simon Madden presents Essendon Football Club’s dramatic and glorious history! Relived through an encounter between the ubiquitous (and greatest ever?) Bomber’s supporter Des Lane, and an intrepid, ambitious young journalist Mary Corrigan, hungry for a ‘scoop’ covering the Club’s 150th anniversary.

Bribery scandals, the war years, John Coleman’s suspension, Kevin Sheedy’s arrival, and the supplements saga are revealed through the eyes of some of the greatest to ever ‘Don the Sash’ including Albert Thurgood, Dick Reynolds, John Coleman and James Hird.

Award-winning playwright, Neil Cole, weaves the greatest controversies, challenges and triumphs for The Bombers across the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries into a tale that will tug at the heartstrings of footy fans across generations.

A Neil Cole Production featuring Alec Gilbert, Nicola Pohl, Melanie Madrigali and Matthew Richard Walsh.

Costumes by Romy Sweetnam Graphic Design and Set by Sarah Yeung Directed by Alicia Benn-Lawler

‘This isn’t only a must-see for Bombers diehards, but for all footy fans who love the history and the personalities who make up our great game.’ Dr Dan Eddy, The Red & Black Collection

DATE: 26 April 2023 – 7 May 2023

Wednesday - Saturday: 8pm Sunday: 5pm

TICKETS: $49 Standard $42 Concession

Duration: 70-minutes (no interval)

All Chapel Off Chapel performances have a strict lockout policy. Latecomers may not be admitted. Please arrive at least 15-minutes before performance time.

Contains: This performance is suitable for ages 12+

Additional Information: To protect your health and safety and that of our team we have the following measures in place:

Venue will open one hour prior to showtime. The venue will be CASHLESS. Mask wearing is strongly encouraged when inside the theatres.

Chapel Off Chapel and the City of Stonnington have comprehensive COVID Safe plans in place.

SEATING AND ACCESSIBILITY Seating: Allocated Seating

Please make sure you arrive a minimum of 15-minutes prior to the performance start time.

PLEASE NOTE: If you require accessible seating or wheelchair access, call the Box Office on 03 8290 7000, Monday-Friday between 10am and 4pm to book your tickets.