Mayflower Theatre, Southampton – until 17 January 2026
Reviewed by Gemma Gibson
4 ****
Football and theatre are both quintessentially England, so it is exciting to see worlds collide with James Graham’s new and uplifting play, Dear England.
Dear England is the story of Gareth Southgate’s revolutionary journey as manager for England, and how he used his eight years in post to not only help bring football home, but transform the culture and mindset of the team and make England smile again.
With the England men’s team suffering loss after loss, as well as the penalties curse, it is up to Southgate to take on what is deemed the impossible job and bring the team to glory.
The casting for this play was key and it did not disappoint, with all the familiar football faces brought to life. From the furrowed brow on the pitch to the iconic waistcoat, David Sturzaker does a brilliant job taking on the role of Southgate, performing his personality and mannerisms with ease and charm.
Team captain Harry Kane (played by Oscar Gough), Marcus Rashford (Jayden Hanley), Jordan Pickford (Jack Maddison); all the team is there and skilfully interpreted by the cast, making the audience on opening night smile and remember these key players with warmth. Playing team psychologist Pippa Grange, Samantha Womack is refreshing, bringing the required calm and grounded energy to the role.
Caricature cameos from Gary Lineker (Ian Kirkby), plus a few older sport personalities and a politician or two, adds moments of both realism and humour to the story.
The best part for me was, of course, the football matches. How the cast approaches these scenes (without a football!), alongside the set, sound and music providing an electric stadium feel, you are teleported right back to the iconic moments of 2018, 2021, 2022 and 2024. I really felt I was there, reliving the action.
While the play takes you seamlessly through a world of football chants, training, pep talks, and matches, I was pleased this story also includes the wider issues and themes of its time. From navigating Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic, to the power of social media and Black Lives Matter, these were important parts of Southgate and the team’s legacy and are expertly woven into the story, proving that football isn’t just a sport.
The set for this play is simple but effective, alternating between pitch and locker room as quick as a wink.
This is a thought-provoking production that shines a light on the successes and struggles of the England team, making you laugh, sing and go quiet in all the right places. Most importantly this play is a love letter to England, a country with football and community at its very heart.
You do not need to be a football fan to enjoy this entertaining story of triumph, loss and nostalgia. And, if you are a football fan, swap out the stadium for the theatre one evening to watch Dear England.