Nottingham Theatre Royal – Saturday 27 September 2025
Reviewed by Amy V Gathercole
4****
“Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or you’ve never seen a match, you’ll be cheering for this production!”
Now, I start this by saying I’m not necessarily the target audience for this show. I’ve grown up in a football-obsessed family and it’s just never been for me. So coming into this Olivier Award-winning production, Dear England, I wasn’t expecting to be treated to such a stark and special show – one that’s full of heart, humour and hope.
Local writer James Graham penned the draft of the play after witnessing the dramatic journey of the England men’s team up to those painful penalties in the 2018 World Cup. He’s crafted an intelligent, emotionally resonant piece that balances national pride with personal vulnerability.
Football meets theatre? It’s not a combination you’d expect – and that’s exactly why it works so effectively. It’s not about goals and glory; it’s about identity, pressure, masculinity, and the weight of expectation.
300,000 people have seen this play across its West End run and at the National Theatre, and now it’s headed out on tour across the UK.
Watching the lads in many locker room scenes, I found myself making comparisons to the growing pains of the boys in Alan Bennett’s The History Boys. There’s a similar mix of bravado, insecurity and yearning to be understood — especially among some of the players, like Harry Kane (Oscar Gough’s professional theatre debut) and Marcus Rashford (Jayden Hanley).
David Sturzaker as Gareth Southgate is compelling and embodies the role completely. The play focuses on snippets of his life and time as manager of the England football team. Southgate, famed for missing an oh-so-important penalty in his own playing days, re-wrote his story over eight years as manager — challenging the status quo and introducing new techniques to support the team.
During his time, he brought in a new way of thinking, feeling and sharing – which wasn’t exactly welcomed by older coaches and more traditional officials. He insisted that the team work with psychologist Dr Pippa Grange (Samantha Womack), whose focus was to encourage the lads to embrace vulnerability, leading to more authentic connections and a stronger sense of team.
One of my favourite things about Dear England is that the actors playing the world-famous footballers are predominantly performers with backgrounds in dance and musicals. I’ve never considered ‘sports choreography’ before – just take a second and name a show where it features? It’s brilliantly original, especially as there’s rarely a physical football on stage.
Because of their physicality and precision, the scenes where the cast play football are dynamic, believable and somehow deeply impactful. The audience doesn’t just watch, they feel the rhythm of the game.
Dear England is a production that delves into the history of English football, weaves in nostalgia throughout and remains culturally relevant. There’s sharp comedy created by caricatures of previous managers, political figures and commentators like Gary Lineker (played expertly by Ian Kirby).
The set design by Es Devlin is a brilliant combination of modern, simplistic and effective. Most scenes take place on a football pitch or behind closed doors at training sessions and in pre- and post-game moments.
Keeping it lean, many of the visuals are delivered through in-depth projections — shifting countries and locations with recognisable stadiums like Wembley and the infamous wings.
The sound is pretty loud, replicating crowds in the stands and it’s full of lots of well-known and loved football songs from across the decades, including a sing-along or two.
Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or you’ve never seen a match, you’ll be cheering for this production. The Lionesses (ladies winning England team) are rightly credited too, reflecting how the national conversation around football has evolved not just on the pitch, but in who gets to shape the story.
It’s bold, brilliant, and brimming with heart. And in a time when connection feels more vital than ever, Dear England delivers it in spades.
As I mentioned, my family’s football mad and I took my mum along as my plus one – she loved Dear England for the game references and the rich history.
I, on the other hand, was drawn in by the strength of the script and captivated by the hope and heart of the story. There really is something for everyone here.
Dear England is visiting theatres across the UK in 2025 and you can purchase your tickets here
Please note the show has a 10+ age recommendation