Dear England
The National Theatre is pleased to say that its critically acclaimed production of Dear England will transfer to theatreland’s Prince Edward Theatre, following a sell-out run at the Olivier. London’s West End is buzzing and the play kicks off at its new venue on 9th October 2023 for a strictly limited 14 week season. The brilliant Joseph Fiennes, who delighted audiences in The Handmaid’s Tale, will reprise his role as Gareth Southgate, and the rest of the cast will be announced shortly. If you’ve ever wondered how Southgate helped change the toxic notions of masculinity that dogged the England team, and what the impact was of the open letter he wrote to England fans in 2021 during the covid pandemic, this one’s for you.
Expect an emotional rollercoaster that’s also funny thanks to the roles of former England managers Sven-Göran Eriksson, Graham Taylor, and Fabio Capello, plus Gary Lineker, Matt Le Tissier, and the prime ministers May, Johnson, and Truss. The thrilling run to the semis at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, the heart-breaking defeat during the 2020 European Championship final at Wembley, plus the quarter final tragedy at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, it’s all covered. And finally, we see the support given to Harry Kane when he missed the infamous penalty years later at the Euro 2020 final, held in 2021. It is clear things have changed for the better in football. And that’s mostly down to Gareth Southgate. Don’t miss it!
Audience Latest Reviews
Reviews Summary based on 37 reviews
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Fantastic storytelling! Really enjoyed this show! Football fans would love it, not sure about anyone without an interest in the sport though. Really interesting insight into the change in the culture of the England team! Only negative was the swearing.
Jennifer, 13 Jan 2024
Breath of fresh air Lovely to see the West End showcasing the national team in this way. humorous, lovely, topical and will attract a lot of people to come to the theatre who would not normally go.
Kirsten, 11 Jan 2024
Dear England Great show and really entertaining, just a little bit too long!
margaret, 16 Dec 2023
insightful excellent all round performance all round
Maureen, 30 Nov 2023
Thoroughly entertaining A great show. Tempo, emotion, soundtrack. Mesmerising slow mo and freeze frames from an outstanding cast. Loved it. Exceeded all expectations.
Claire, 18 Nov 2023
Dear England 16th November The show,acting,lighting and everything about the show was brilliant,as a football fan it portrayed a great story which we know about but great to see.
ian, 17 Nov 2023
So good, so good, so good As a visitor from across the pond who has cheered on England through heartbreak after heartbreak, this show really provided a better glimpse into the English football psyche. As an avid theatre-goer, I was awestruck by the acting and the technical precision. The lighting, in particular is outstanding, but every element of this production works magically together. I think even a non-football fan (like my husband) would leave Dear England with a warm heart and carry with them the important social message that is at the core of it. Be nice, everyone. Be nice.
Shelly, 16 Nov 2023
The English Football Story As a foreigner, I found it a bit informative about the behind scenes of English football. I enjoyed the play, but it's really a horror show, because England lose. I don't understand how people can be happy about it. It's like how in the Titanic where all the men die & people call it romantic.
Shaun, 11 Nov 2023
football under the spotlight Really enjoyed the show whilst having absolutely no interest in football. Well worth a visit
Richard, 09 Nov 2023
Great fun Didn't know what to expect. Can't believe the emotions i felt on reliving these football moments. Brilliantly written and acted. Even if u aren't a football fan you'd enjoy this!
Claire, 09 Nov 2023
More than a football show Dear England is a wonderfully entertaining show. Joe Fiennes is a veritable doppelganger for the England manager, and is ably supported by an excellent cast. Yes it's focus is on football, but the scope is broader than that. Funny, informative, and not a VAR review in sight.
Anderw, 05 Nov 2023
Surprising Really enjoyed the performance.
Brought back memories to me.
Made me feel nostalgic about the past but positive for the future.
Teresa, 28 Oct 2023
Wonderful, a must see! As a regular theatregoer, this is one of my best shows I’ve seen in a long time. It has everything, great storyline, humour and coverage of topical issues which leave you thinking. The cast was amazing too. My 15 year said it was his favourite show, high praise indeed!
Harsa, 27 Oct 2023
The best show in London This is an amazing show, and I don’t like football!! The acting is brilliant and will be going to see it again. There is nothing not to like.
Lilian, 21 Oct 2023
Loved it! Loved it!
Vijay Jacob, 19 Oct 2023
It's coming home This show convinced me that we are going to win the bloody thing!! The characters were very believable especially Gary Southgate
william, 14 Oct 2023
