James Graham shoots and scores with this unforgettable masterpiece, showcasing Gareth Southgate’s behemoth task of taking the reins of the England Team in times of despair and leading them a new culture of football. As he defied the norms of football, this play defies the norms of theatre by turning a reserved audience into a football crowd with genuine cheering , support and a true sense of pride and passion from every seat in the Prince Edward.

The story recounts the true unfolding of Southgate’s leadership journey, his struggle with opening up the reluctant squad to embrace not only physical but mental training, while managing his own fears that stem from a missed penalty that cost England the 96’ Euros semi final against Germany. As he hires a psychiatrist for the team, Pippa Grange (Dervla Kirwan) and staff to tackle the mental side of the game, Southgate (Joseph Fiennes) navigate’s the players own hurdles from disbelief and superstition to racism. James Graham has perfectly captured the pride of England football, while highlighting what needs to change. It must be said that a keen knowledge of football is absolutely not required to see this play, the energy and individualism of each character is so clear and the events well told that football fan or not, anyone will enjoy this piece.

Joseph Fiennes’ portrayal of the England manager is uncanny and brilliant, with his softness perfect to portray “Gareth from Crawley”. Dervla Kirwan offers a sensitivity needed amongst the energy of the squad. The players themselves are brilliantly cast by Bryony Jarvis-Taylor, providing the required energy to each role. Darragh Hand as Marcus Rashford, brings a vibrant passion and sensitivity to the role balancing both the struggle of his superstition with his recently passed grandmother and playfulness with the team: “Is that the fair play trophy in your hand or are you just happy to see me?”. The role of Harry Kane played by Will Close has been particularly scrutinised for being insensitive and presenting a “half-wit” of a character. I believe this choice is purposeful to add to the comedy of the piece, less than an attack, much like the humour surrounding the portrayal of recent Prime Ministers, England managers and even Gary Lineker, perfectly portrayed by Gunnar Cauthery, holding a packet of Walkers crisps.

The humour in the show is unrelenting, allowing the deeper moments to be more impactful. The heartache of loss and tension of penalties shudders throughout the theatre as the audience are so engrossed and willing for the success of the team.

There is an unforgettable and rightfully earned swing at the 3 Lions from the Lionesses as their Euro’s 2022 victory is paraded across the stage and met with roar’s of pride from the audience. As the trophy is lifted, the Prince Edward morphed into Wembley. It was the most interactive I’ve seen an audience in a long time with some members of the circle finishing the lines of Southgate as he recounts the endless losses of the England national team, handled perfectly by Joseph Fiennes.

It is expected of Rupert Goold, Artistic Director of the Almeida Theatre, to create powerful work such as this with the likes of ‘Ink’, ‘Albion’ and ‘Richard III’ behind him. Along with a strong creative team, he has made a suspenseful, joyful, engaging piece of drama that leaves a sense of awe with the audience. Es Devlin’ set, along with the lighting and sound are immaculate. Live video feeds demonstrating the player’s use of social media lands well and is seamless, especially when paired with the simple yet impactful set compromising solely of the player’s individual changing room cubicles with their shirts on used for entrances, exits, transitions and movement sequences. The light ring that slowly raises at the opening of the play is much akin to that of Wembley’s arch.

Ellen Kane and Hannes Langolf have curated some epic movement sequences that perfectly encapsulate the tension, energy and passion of matchplay and penalties, with a special mention to Josh Barrow capturing Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford’s movements to a T. The hold these sequences have over the audience is profound and you can feel the held breath of every attendee when the final moments of England’s penalties against Italy in the 2020 Euros final.

Hopefully England in the 2024 Euros will be as enjoyable to watch as ‘Dear England’.

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