Review: DEAR ENGLAND, Chichester Festival Theatre - Tour
Photo credit: Marc Brenner
James Graham's Dear England, directed by Rupert Goold, is a theatrical goal-scorer, proving once again that the most compelling stories on stage are often the most familiar ones. This National Theatre co-production, currently electrifying audiences at Chichester Festival Theatre, transcends the beautiful game to become a profound piece of relatable and enjoyable theatre, chronicling Gareth Southgate’s inspiring, yet ultimately alternative, management of the England men’s football team. You do not need a season ticket to be swept up by this show's momentum!
The writing masterfully dissects the psychological baggage - the "years of hurt" - that weighed down the national team, using Southgate's own 1996 penalty miss as the point of return. Graham presents Southgate not as a messiah, but as a quiet revolutionary, determined to inject vulnerability, honesty, and mental resilience into an historically fearful culture. The resulting play is a perfect balance of sharp political comedy and heart-wrenching sporting tragedy.
Rupert Goold's direction is a triumph of controlled chaos. The production is kept stark and minimalist, characteristic of the National Theatre's scale, yet every technical cue is deployed with flawless precision. Seamless lighting changes and meticulously cued sound design instantly transport the audience from the sterile environment of the FA boardroom to the raucous roar of Wembley. Crucially, the configuration of the Chichester Festival Theatre's round stage is exploited brilliantly, pulling the audience directly into the action and creating an electric and almost immersive experience.
Leading the charge is David Sturzaker as Gareth Southgate, who delivers a performance that borders on the uncanny. Sturzaker is far more than an impersonator; he captures Southgate's specific essence - the hesitant cadence, the thoughtful gaze and the profound burden of responsibility. It is a nuanced portrayal that makes the character’s emotional journey truly relatable.
The strength of the play, however, rests on its exceptional ensemble. Samantha Womack is a commanding presence as team psychologist Pippa Grange, providing the necessary grounding logic against the testosterone-fuelled chaos of the dressing room. The actors portraying the players are phenomenal, capturing the voices, mannerisms and characteristics of footballing icons like Harry Kane, Jordan Pickford, Raheem Sterling and others with such pitch-perfect accuracy that the illusion is total.
Dear England is a must-see. It's exhilarating, funny and deeply resonant, reminding us that the greatest victory is not necessarily the trophy, but the courage to try and the dignity to lose. This production is a five-star winner that will leave every audience member, fan or not, singing all the way home.
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Ryan Bishop