
'Dear England' review – James Graham's football drama is an absolute winner
Read our five-star review of Dear England, starring Joseph Fiennes as Gareth Southgate, now in performances at the Prince Edward Theatre to 13 January.
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Dear England is heading into extra time at the Prince Edward Theatre for 14 weeks only Joseph Fiennes makes an anticipated return to the West End as England national team manager Gareth Southgate in this new drama from James Graham. Book Dear England tickets on London Theatre.
Dear England follows the England men's football team under the management of Gareth Southgate and explores the team's journey through three significant tournaments: the unforeseen run at the semifinals at the 2018 World Cup in Russia; the disheartening defeat in the 2020 European Championship final at Wembley Stadium; and the quarterfinal departure from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
In our five-star review of Dear England on London Theatre, our critic said: “It’s coming home! James Graham hits the back of the net with this absolute corker of a show – part paean to Gareth Southgate and the radical culture shift that he has engendered as England manager, part stealth state-of-the-nation treatise.”
Unfolding through a series of key moments in the team’s history, Dear England delves into the emotional challenges and triumphs faced by both the players and their manager. The play also addresses themes of identity, national pride, and the pressure that comes with representing England’s national team on the international stage.
James Graham’s (Tammy Faye, Ink, Best of Enemies) play made its debut at the National Theatre to critical appraise. Under the direction of Rupert Goold (Tammy Faye, Patriots, Spring Awakening), Dear England is set to return to the stage at the Prince Edward Theatre.
Throughout the play, there are comical caricatures of well-known figures, including former England managers, players, commentators, and even political figures, providing a satirical and lighthearted touch to the storytelling. Find out more about the English national team players featured in the play.
Dear England dives into the personal journeys of the players and the impact of their experiences on and off the pitch. Discover the dedication and passion that define the England men's football team.
It’s all to play for in this gripping drama about the nation’s beloved football team. Book tickets on London Theatre now.
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2 hours 50 min (Incl. interval)
October 9th, 2023
January 13th, 2024
Read our five-star review of Dear England, starring Joseph Fiennes as Gareth Southgate, now in performances at the Prince Edward Theatre to 13 January.
The National Theatre production of Dear England, about the country’s football team, is the first play at the Prince Edward since 1946. But the play isn’t the only thing back on home turf.
Following its critically acclaimed run at the National Theatre earlier this year, Dear England will transfer to the West End for a strictly limited run at the Prince Edward Theatre.
Dear England follows the England football team under the management of Gareth Southgate, which is transferring to the West End from the National Theatre.
Learn more about the athletes in this new drama inspired by Gareth Southgate’s management of the England men’s national football team.
The National Theatre’s critically acclaimed play Dear England about the men’s national football team will kick off their next match in the West End this autumn.