Dear England delivers a hat-trick of heart, hope and history.
Dear England is an award winning triumph that transforms modern football into a compelling, human-centred drama.
Written by acclaimed British playwright James Graham, the play explores leadership, identity and the weight of national expectation through one of England’s most emotionally charged institutions.
Inspired by real events and close observation of the modern England football setup, the narrative traces the men’s national team through defining moments which are rendered with clarity and emotional intelligence, making the play accessible not only to football fans but to anyone interested in how pressure, belief and public scrutiny shape individuals and groups.
At the centre is Gareth Southgate (David Sturzaker) a thoughtful and quietly radical leader shaped by his own failure at Euro ’96. His journey mirrors the team’s wider attempt to confront long-standing psychological barriers, particularly the fear surrounding penalty shootouts.
Through the influence of FA psychologist Dr Pippa Grange (Samantha Womack) themes of vulnerability, emotional openness and mental resilience are explored. This depth is balanced with plenty of humour throughout, ensuring the play never feels like a heavy slog. Enjoy the parody moments pertinent to the times!
The central character portrayals are uncannily accurate, capturing accents, mannerisms and physicality with precision while remaining completely believable.
Every member of the cast and creative team deserves recognition, and rightly so, each is credited in the programme. Like the football team Gareth Southgate set out to build – and ultimately succeeded in building – this production shows that excellence comes from trust, collaboration and shared purpose. Every contribution feels integral, reinforcing the idea that it truly takes a team to perform at the highest level and to win.
The intensity of the performances draws the audience fully into both the drama and the matches themselves, making each moment feel present and real.
Wider social issues such as racism, media pressure and the evolving relationship between players and the public are handled with sensitivity, emerging through personal, character-driven moments rather than feeling overstated.
Southgate’s real Dear England open letter forms a powerful emotional backbone. When sections are performed, the silence in the theatre speaks volumes, creating a shared stillness that underlines the impact of the words.
Visually ambitious and seamlessly staged, the production moves between dressing rooms, training pitches and stadiums through dynamic design, sound and movement. Under Rupert Goold’s direction, spectacle and intimacy are perfectly balanced.
Unexpectedly emotional, Dear England at Milton Keynes Theatre reignites a love for the game and leaves audiences genuinely invested in football, fans and non-fans alike. Celebrating both men’s and women’s football, the evening ends with the entire theatre on its feet, singing along to Sweet Caroline in joyful celebration of a phenomenal performance.
This is set to be one of the most significant modern British theatre productions to see, delivering a hat-trick of heart, hope, and history.
Dear England UK Tour is at Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday 24th January 2026. Tickets are available from £15.00 (+ £3.95 transaction fee), General bookings: 0844 871 7615, Access bookings:0333 009 5399, Group bookings:0207 206 1174 or online.
Reviewed by:
I’m a proud MK resident of over 46 years watching it grow from a new town to a bustling business, social and cultural city.
I work in the NHS and enjoy an eclectic social life exploring everything Milton Keynes has in the diary.
