“The meaning behind the beautiful game comes to life on stage.“
Dear England is a masterpiece for anyone who has ever whispered “It’s coming home”, clutched the arm of a loved one during an England penalty shootout or simply adores exceptional theatre.
The audience is transported to the beginning of Gareth Southgate’s (brilliantly portrayed by Gwilym Lee) career as the England manager. Inheriting a culture fuelled by ego and expectation, the play explores the journey Gareth, his team and English football went through to achieve the success of the 2016 to 2024 era of international football. The fast paced approach to moving through the timeline of events brings the energy of a live football match. This is supported by the clever, unfussy staging and choreography that moves the story along. Outstandingly, all members of the cast deliver excellent performances, contributing to a production that feels tightly woven and emotionally rich.
What Dear England does so beautifully is shed light on what happens beyond the 90 minutes seen by millions. It focuses on the closed door conversations and resilience in change. Watching the journey for Dr Pippa Grange (expertly portrayed by Liz White) unfold gives context to the mindset shift of our beloved England squad. Her work, rooted in science and compassion, underpins the play’s powerful message: success comes from nurturing the whole person.
It is impressive how racism is explored. Raw and honest, there’s no attempt to neatly tie up what remains an ongoing struggle, but instead, it offers a sense of hope. It’s a brave, necessary statement, and those involved in crafting it deserve genuine praise.
Yet, for all its weighty themes, Dear England knows how to make us laugh. Familiar figures from recent British history pop up with cheeky charm, and while the humour occasionally veers towards the cheesy, it only adds to the relatability. The warmth and specificity of each character ground the play in something real and recognisable. Theatre is often associated with the idea of being inaccessible but Dear England throws the doors wide open. It welcomes first-time theatregoers and lifelong fans alike, and that accessibility is truly something to celebrate.
Dear England is more than just a play – it is a heartfelt celebration of sport and the human stories in between. Catch Dear England at The Lowry until 29th July 2025 and during the national tour from September 2025 onwards. This is a piece of theatre that deserves to be seen, shared and remembered.