Dear England at the National Theatre

It’s come home. Not the World Cup, but the hit James Graham play Dear England. The much-lauded production returns to its original venue, the National Theatre, ahead of its regional premiere at the Lowry in Salford. A UK tour will follow later this year, and a television adaptation is also in the works.

Fans of Graham are being rather spoilt at the moment. Down the road from the South Bank, his latest effort Punch at the Young Vic has opened to stellar reviews. Showcasing his prolific versatility, a revised Dear England now takes residence in the expansive Olivier space where it ran in 2023 before receiving a West End transfer. With updates including incorporating the UEFA Euro 24 tournament, it goes without saying that Graham also explores changes in the cultural and political landscape that have occurred since the play’s inception.

We open with Gareth Southgate’s infamous failed penalty of Euro 96 before fast-forwarding to him as England Manager. Still plagued by the guilt and shame he endured; Southgate is determined his team will be offered the support he was deprived of. Recruiting psychologist Pippa Grange (Liz White), the players are at first sceptical and dismissive but eventually embrace her perspective.

Gwilym Lee makes the role of Southgate his own and offers a nuanced, multi-layered portrayal. Gunnar Cauthery captures Gary Lineker perfectly and Ryan Donaldson excels as Harry Kane. Ryan Donaldson garners many a laugh as Harry Maguire. The entire ensemble is committed, and all are on their A-game. Ellen Kane and Hannes Langolf are responsible for movement direction, allowing an authentic and convincing depiction of the team.

Es Devlin’s set consists of a ring of light, mirroring the Wembley Arch – a symbol of hope but, in this case, also repression. These are young men, exposed to all kinds of scrutiny they are not prepared for, or deserving of. Production values are sky-high here, with video montages courtesy of Ash J Woodward and lighting by Jon Clark enhancing the production.

One may be forgiven for dismissing Dear England as being aimed solely at football fans. It’s fair to say that non-regular theatregoers were drawn to seeing the play during its previous runs. Getting more people into theatres can of course only be a positive – but a host of other themes and subject matter are behind its long-lasting appeal. From national identity, pride and patriotism to the idea of masculinity to hopes and dreams, resilience and the strength of the human spirit, Graham’s epic is about so much more than the beautiful game.

A heartfelt and impassioned love letter to our national sport but also a timely commentary on our nation. Engaging, endearing and enlightening, this is theatre at its best.

Jonathan Marshall
Photos: Marc Brenner

Dear England is at the National Theatre from 10^th March until 24^th May 2025. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.

Watch the trailer for Dear England at the National Theatre here: