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★★★★★
James Graham’s Olivier Award-winning play ‘Dear England’ is currently touring the UK, bringing the hit National Theatre production to venues across the country. Following a National Theatre debut and a West End transfer, the play was revived in 2024 and now audiences have the opportunity to watch this electric piece of theatre in their local areas. Centring on Sir Gareth Southgate and the England Men’s Team, the play looks at what it means to be a part of the national squad and the psychological pressures that come with it. For the next two weeks the production is at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury and I had the opportunity to review it on opening night.
Background
‘Dear England’ is a fictionalised account of Southgate’s tenure as England manager and England’s recent track record at international tournaments, but it is based on extensive interviews and research. The men’s national team has a complex history surrounding painful losses on the world stage, made even more difficult because of overwhelming public interest and a perception that we should be able to win major tournaments. James Graham’s writing explores this complexity, but also chooses to take a personal approach, focusing on how Southgate (David Sturzaker) and team psychologist Dr Pippa Grange (Samantha Womack) connect with the players to ensure that they are in a healthy headspace for rising to the challenge; specifically the dreaded penalty shootouts. What is most surprising however is how much comedy is in the script. The changing room banter is hilarious, showcasing a side to the team beyond the pressures of the pitch.
Inspired visual design
Es Devlin’s set is reminiscent of a stadium, utilising bold lighting design (Jon Clark) to mimic the feeling of being under floodlights at a match. The oval platform is supported by a combination of statistic-focused video design (Ash J Woodward) and some moveable set pieces, which are surrounded by darkness and highlight the isolation of the game. Of the set pieces, the changing room lockers at St George’s Park are the most memorable, providing a symbolic backdrop for the more private discussions and also cleverly assisting with scene transitions. Members of the company run onto stage between scenes, ready and waiting to reposition the lockers. It is a novel approach to ensuring continuity throughout the performance, whilst at the same time highlighting the athleticism of the material and the precision of the movement coordination.
Cast performances
‘Dear England’ is very much an ensemble piece, with every member of the company contributing to the strength of the production. With the underlying messages about being part of a team, you can’t help but champion this cast who take audiences on this journey through England’s recent wins and losses. That being said, the company is brilliantly led by David Sturzaker as the understated manager, who remains so human and down to earth despite the attention. The character goes through many trials and tribulations throughout the running time and it is fascinating watching the variety of emotions portrayed. Their interactions with Oscar Gough as Harry Kane are also incredibly endearing, showcasing the important bond between the captain and manager.
A sports-themed theatrical masterpiece
Regardless of whether you are a football fan or not, there is something so brilliant about this play that audiences will be drawn in from the moment that they are first introduced to a young Gareth Southgate in 1996. The themes of pressure and performance are balanced with some hilarious and heartfelt connections between the players and “backroom” staff, allowing audiences to appreciate the rollercoaster that is playing for the England Men’s Team. ‘Dear England’ is at the Marlowe Theatre until Saturday 18th October, with tickets available via the theatre’s website. You don’t want to miss the opportunity to watch this absolutely spectacular play whilst it is in Kent.
*My ticket for ‘Dear England’ was gifted in exchange for an unbiased review.
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