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BrumHour saw Dear England at the invite of Birmingham Hippodrome.
For Brum Radio’s Interval Theatre David Sturzaker and Jayden Hanley spoke about their roles in this touring production. Listen below:
By Laura Creaven
This production contains strong language.
Dear England at Birmingham Hippodrome: Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐” Slick, well-paced and energetic”
Directed by Rupert Goold written by James Graham
Dear England is a captivating and surprisingly emotional play that looks at ex-England player Gareth Southgate’s tenure as manager of the national team.
The story follows Southgate (David Sturzaker), still haunted by his infamous missed penalty, as he’s called up to lead the men’s team after years of underperformance. Determined to break the cycle, he brings in psychologist Dr Pippa Grange (Samantha Womack) and begins reshaping how the squad sees itself. But will it work? Will football finally be coming home?
Beginning with that 1996 penalty, the play weaves footballing history with pop‑culture touchpoints – Gary Lineker’s Walkers ads, Theresa May’s robotic dancing, and a parade of former England managers. Humorous portrayals of Harry Kane, Jordan Pickford and others provide plenty of laughs, balanced with moments of genuine tenderness.
There’s plenty of Brummie football stars referenced in the show; Gareth Southgate, of course, played for Aston Villa, but the likes of Jude Bellingham and Olly Watkins get a mention too.
But even if you’re not a die‑hard football fan, the play offers much more than sporting nostalgia. It digs into English national identity, male vulnerability, fear, forgiveness, and the emotional labour of leadership. Southgate’s desire to do things differently is often challenged by the trio of male coaching staff, each at a different stage of emotional self‑awareness.
If that sounds like a meandering or overly introspective show, it isn’t. The production is slick, well-paced and energetic; the minimal props and digital backdrop feel purposeful and cohesive. Dear England is longer than many modern plays, but its generous run time feels earned rather than indulgent. Sturzaker’s portrayal of Southgate is thoughtful and grounded, capturing the quiet vulnerability many fans associate with the real‑life manager. Like its central character, the show has a great deal of heart – funny, engaging and unexpectedly moving.
There were, however, a couple of elements that didn’t land as strongly. The depiction of the England women’s team’s historic Euros win, while receiving one of the biggest cheers of the night, felt like an afterthought and inverted the real underdog narrative for the sake of convenience. The play also seemed uncertain in its handling of racism, particularly the visceral abuse directed at the three Black players after the Euro 2020 final. Including these moments was bold, but they lacked the emotional depth and nuance shown elsewhere.
Ultimately, the outcome of Southgate’s tenure is no secret. Everyone knows football didn’t come home – at least not for the men’s team – but the production draws the audience in so effectively that the key moments still feel nail‑biting. It’s the penalties. It’s always the penalties.
Dear England is at Birmingham Hippodrome until 14th March 2026. Book tickets here: birminghamhippodrome.com/calendar/dear-england.
