Carly could not wait to return to Milton Keynes Theatre last night (20/01) to see the highly-anticipated Dear England and here is her full review...
The experience
I've never been a massive football fan but I definitely married one! Arriving at Milton Keynes Theatre and seeing a very different crowd in the foyer to last weeks Friends Parody, there were men everywhere! Having said I'm not a big fan I can remember where I was for all of the nail biting moments the England team have given us over the years and this show gives you a completely different view of what was happening behind the scenes.
This amazing show about the trials and tribulations of being an England football manager – in particular, waistcoat-wearing Gareth Southgate – is about football, certainly, but it’s much more than that. Bringing a Psychologist onto the team, played by Samantha Womack, introduced a whole new level of insight into the players feelings much to the disapproval of coach Mike Webster!
The stage was simple but the lighting was amazing with Wembley Stadium raising from the depths of the stage. Some of the cameos stole the show with appearances from Teresa May and Boris Johnson taking us back to the days of lockdown. I did have to keep reminding myself that the footballers were actors and not in fact footballers and although the likeness of the Dele Alli character wasn't perfect the links to Milton Keynes referenced got lots of cheers from the audience!
Dear England is at Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday 24th January.
The story
Heading the cast is David Sturzaker as England manager Gareth Southgate, with Samantha Womack (EastEnders, Mount Pleasant) playing team psychologist Pippa Grange.
It’s time to change the game. The country that gave the world football has since delivered a painful pattern of loss. The England men’s team has the worst track record for penalties in the world, and manager Gareth Southgate knows he needs to open his mind and face up to the years of hurt to take team and country back to the promised land.
Dear England was originally commissioned by the National Theatre and developed with the theatre’s New Work department. Its world premiere was on 20 June 2023 in the Olivier theatre. Following a sold-out run, Dear England transferred to the Prince Edward Theatre, in London’s West End, where it broke box office records.
Book your tickets now
LISTINGS
Dear England
Performances: Tue 20 Jan - Sat 24 Jan 2026
Age Recommendation: 10+
Access bookings: 0333 009 5399
Group bookings: 0207 206 1174
Online Booking: ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes*
*Fees may apply. Calls cost up to 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge
Facebook, X & Instagram: @MKTheatre
Show pages: Follow on Instagram @dearenglandplay X @dearenglandplay Facebook Dear England Play
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