Julia Lee, born and bred in Hull was one of the first female referees to referee men’s match both in England and in Australia. The play ‘Ref’ inspired by Julia’s life story, was written following a chance meeting with playwright, Sarah Jane Dickenson

 ‘The game, the true game of league, not the business, but the game, the truly beautiful game makes people feel they belong whatever their genitals.’

Based on a true story REFEREE tells the heart warming, humorous story of Alexs fight to become one of the first women rugby league referees in Britain to be in charge of men’s matches.

Moving from the 1980’s to the present REF charts the story of Alex’s rise from a kid obsessed with watching the game to her tussles and triumphs to be totally involved, in charge right in the middle of the game. This is a universal story of how a woman  – against the odds  – determinedly proves she is not a victim – but a survivor.

Ref! premiered in Hull in 2018 & toured in 2019. Click here to be notified when Ref! will next tour 

Order Ref! Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ref-Sarah-Jane-Dickenson/dp/1909954373

Be notified when Ref! will next tour!  Email: admin@csi2012.co.uk

Audience feedback: 

'The play was inspirational. It was honest and brave.' ‘Fantastic play, although I don t follow rugby!’

‘Was totally captivated! Hopefully inspires women to follow their dreams.’

‘Fascinating and exciting It tells a story far more reaching than Rugby League.’

'Great piece of drama, rooted in truth with real eye-opening moments.' 

Screening Ref!

• 90 minutes (including Q&A – FILM running time 1hr 6 mins)
• Q & A possible involvement  Julia Lee, Space2 (Directors of Ref)  or Sarah Jane Dickenson (Play write) or equality specifically gender expert – expenses and subsistence would have to be funded locally
• Auditorium or theatre or laptop, projector and speakers.
• 16:9 stereo audio
• Ability to download screening file prior to screening. 
• ALL non-professional cinema venues recommended to use 1920 x 1080p as a .mov (quicktime) or .mp4 (mpeg-4) file – projected. file size 3.38gb
• File to be checked to ensure it is compatible with the exhibitor's computer.
• Nb – file can be made available in 1280 x 720p however, 1920 x 1080p is preferable. No resolution less than the above will be offered.