All the best bits of football without any actual football, Dear England is an uplifting homage to the beautiful game that bypasses the pitfalls of obsessive fandom.
Before charting the England men’s football team under Gareth Southgate’s management, this bright and introspective play anchors itself in the past, in an opening scene that recalls a memory of the 1996 Euro semi-final shootout against Germany.
Alongside dramatic match recreations, humorous interjections from football fans, and inspirational changing room speeches, the play makes much of the role played by FA sports psychologist Pippa Grange in the team’s transformation (2017-2019).
The first act flies by in James Graham’s cleverly woven script that connects the psychology of one man to the psychology of a team, and ultimately the attitude of an entire country.
Dear England celebrates 'all the best bits of football'
It’s utterly fascinating and engaging, even for someone who would rather watch paint dry than watch football.
Collective excitement builds as Gareth is hired and starts making way for feelings other than pessimism and mockery. It’s impossible not to feel revved up.
Goold’s direction is a choreographic triumph that replicates the energy and atmosphere of a mammoth football stadium in a prewar (II) West End theatre.
Thanks to expert light and movement design, penalty shootouts are as anxiety-inducing as they were the first-time round – sorry Gareth and Pippa, I just can’t look.
From his speech to his thoughtful gait, Joseph Fiennes is truly Gareth Southgate’s doppelganger in a flawless turn as the England manager.
The rest of the cast are equally joyful and hilarious in their studied mimicry.
From Pickford’s concentrated grimaces to Kane’s quiet composure, they imitate the England players to perfection so that they and the audience can take pleasure in the wonderful individuality of these people.
The second act – or half – brings palpable disappointment as we follow the team’s successive losses at the Euros and more recent World Cup.
A testament to the power of sport and storytelling, these moments felt as impactful on stage as they were in real time.
Nevertheless, the final message is one of hope, and dare I say patriotism.
Dear England observes the good and bad of English football, and the good and bad of English people - with ramifications far beyond the pitch.
Dear England runs at the Prince Edward Theatre from October 9 2023 – January 13 2024 with tickets starting at £20.
Tickets: Tickets are available from £20 via DearEnglandOnStage.com.
- Playwright: James Graham
- Director: Rupert Goold
- Co-Movement Directors: Ellen Kane and Hannes Langolf
- Set Designer: Es Devlin
- Lighting Designer: Jon Clark
Performances take place Monday – Saturday at 7 pm, with a matinee on Thursday and Saturday at 2 pm.
This schedule may differ during bank holidays and theatregoers should consult the website for details.
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