New Wimbledon Theatre- until Saturday 27th February 2026
Reviewed by Carly
5*****
Dear England at New Wimbledon Theatre is an absolute triumph – a thrilling, intelligent, and deeply moving piece of theatre that delivers far more than you might expect from a play centred on football. It is gripping from start to finish, blending sharp humour, emotional depth, and electrifying staging into one unforgettable evening.
From the moment the lights dimmed, the production commands attention. The atmosphere inside the theatre was electric -a shared sense of anticipation rippling through the audience. What followed was two and a half hours of theatre that felt both epic in scale and intimate in emotion. The writing is razor-sharp, witty, and layered, allowing the story to unfold with pace and precision while never losing sight of its emotional core.
The performances across the board were outstanding. The portrayal of Gareth Southgate (David Sturzaker) was particularly compelling- calm, thoughtful, and quietly determined, capturing the essence of a leader redefining what it means to represent England. The performance struck a beautiful balance between restraint and vulnerability, making his journey feel authentic and genuinely affecting. The rest of the cast were equally impressive, shifting seamlessly between moments of high-energy locker room banter and deeply personal reflection. Each actor brought nuance and humanity to roles that could easily have been caricatures, grounding the production in truth.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Dear England is how it transcends sport. Yes, it recreates iconic tournament moments with pulse-raising intensity. The tension of penalty shootouts, the roar of the crowd, the unbearable weight of expectation, but it is ultimately about much more than football. It explores leadership under scrutiny, the psychology of performance, the burden of national identity, and the importance of vulnerability in spaces traditionally dominated by bravado. The play tackles themes of masculinity and mental resilience with intelligence and sensitivity, offering a refreshing and timely perspective.
The staging is nothing short of exceptional. The use of multimedia elements, projected match footage, lighting shifts, and sound design, immerses the audience completely. At times, the theatre genuinely felt like a stadium, with the soundscape capturing the collective hope and heartbreak of fans across the country. The choreography and physical movement were dynamic and precise, cleverly recreating the rhythm and energy of professional football without ever feeling gimmicky. Scene transitions were slick and fluid, maintaining momentum throughout.
What truly sets this production apart is its emotional impact. There are moments of laugh-out-loud humour, particularly in the sharp exchanges between players and staff, but these are perfectly balanced with scenes of genuine poignancy. The exploration of penalty trauma which is so deeply embedded in England’s sporting history, was handled with surprising tenderness. The audience could be heard holding their breath during key moments, fully invested in the outcome despite knowing the historical results. That ability to create suspense from real-life events is a testament to the strength of the storytelling.
Importantly, Dear England is accessible. You do not need to be a football fanatic to appreciate it. In fact, even those with little interest in the sport would find themselves captivated by the human stories at its centre. The play invites the audience to reconsider what it means to represent a nation, and challenges outdated ideas about strength and success. It celebrates growth, empathy, and unity — qualities that resonate far beyond the pitch.
The direction deserves enormous praise for maintaining such a perfect tonal balance. The production never becomes overly sentimental, nor does it lean too heavily into spectacle. Instead, it trusts its characters and its message, allowing the audience to engage fully without manipulation. The pacing is tight, the structure cohesive, and the emotional beats land with precision.
By the final scene, there is a profound sense of uplift. It is not a simplistic, fairy-tale triumph, but something more meaningful — a recognition of progress, resilience, and hope. As the cast took their bows to thunderous applause, and the famous song- Sweet Caroline was being shouted at the top of everyone’s lungs it was clear that this production had struck a chord.
Dear England is powerful, funny, stirring, and beautifully performed. It is a masterclass in contemporary theatre-making and a reminder of how sport can reflect the wider cultural moment. Whether you love football or not, this is a must-see production that leaves you entertained, moved, and genuinely inspired. An outstanding five-star evening in every sense.