Dear England (touring) ★★★★★

Even those with no interest in football, who have never been to a match and have scarcely watched one on the TV (me), can’t help but be enthralled by Dear England. Directed by Rupert Goold, James Graham’s brilliant homage to England charts the experience of Gareth Southgate trying to bring the national team success – finally.

Updated from the original play, first performed in 2023, this new version also reflects the success of the women’s team and also when the men got to the final of the European Cup in 2024. And if this is a precedent, then perhaps the revival will be rebooted after next year’s World Cup!

The fortunes of the England team seemed mired in betting scandals, poor off-pitch behaviour, scandalous stories of players in nightclubs and outrageous pay cheques being delivered to losing teams. So, Gareth Southgate’s challenge wasn’t just about getting the ball in the back of the net. Starting in flashback, as the most painful experience of his life is retold and the penalty is, of course, missed. From that lowest of points commences a steady and certain road to rebuilding Southgate’s credit amongst England fans, never flinching from some of the tougher decisions.

David Sturzaker, as Gareth Southgate, is perfectly cast and pitches his performance with a stunning blend of humility and strength. He is a man with a vision for a better England team – he’s just not sure what that vision will entail. Taking the unusual step of recruiting psychologist Pippa Grange (Samantha Womack), he seeks to understand the nature of the wins and losses as much as the physical reasons. The interplay between Dr Grange and Southgate is pivotal and makes for compelling viewing.

The players, mostly new ones for the start of Southgate’s managership, go on a journey with him, starting by resenting the ‘wokeism’ of the regime – getting in touch with their feelings, being encouraged to find the trust and care, and love for each other rather than the more traditional banter and aggressive competitiveness.

At this performance, understudy Miles Henderson relishes playing Harry Maguire, the bluff Yorkshire man, going down well with the Leeds audience. Jass Beki impresses as Saka, and Jayden Hanley inspires as much compassion as the player he embodies – Marcus Rashford. Impossible too, not to mention the standout performance of Oscar Gough as England captain Harry Kane, the unlikely and perhaps unwilling leader of men.

This is a fantastic ensemble piece, the large touring cast often playing multiple roles, often with great comedy – Courtney George is brilliantly funny as two prime ministers and Sarina Wiegman, amongst others. Steven Dykes plays a whopping five characters, mostly Physio Phil, but ensures that each is distinct and/or comical as required!

The cast is beautifully choreographed – each match prefaced by almost balletic movement as they prepare to face the opposition. The excruciating penalty shoot-outs are no less painful on the stage – the tension is palpable – ecstasy and agony.

This much lauded piece, winner of last year’s Olivier Award for Best New Play, has the capacity to inspire a love of the beautiful game even in the least interested. Indeed, it is hard to discern at the curtain, when the standing ovation was almost complete, whether it was Team England or Cast Dear England that was garnering the greatest ovation. Whichever it was, Dear England is a champion, ‘back of the net’ kind of night out.