Review: Dear England, at Lowry

To celebrate their 25th birthday, Lowry had to pick something big as their show of choice. And if you think about it, it is a pretty good once since Old Trafford is right over the road. I had admittedly worked on it twice before paying for a ticket, but I was desperate to talk about it and not break my rule. 

I am course talking about the 2024 Best New Play Olivier winner, Dear England. 

Yes, a play centred around football is being considered as one of the best shows I have seen so far this year

(I hope that answers your question on whether a non-football fan would enjoy it)

Like I said, Dear England won the Olivier last year, and was a huge hit when it was at the National, praised for bringing in non-traditional theatregoers and the curious alike. But they may have been surprised to watch a funny and thought provoking drama discussing not just football. In fact, it's about the country. 

Allow me to explain. Dear England follows Gareth Southgate's tenure as the England manager, bringing in a whole new ethos to the top job. He comes in to transform the team both inside and out, focusing on mental health and psychology of his new young team as well as the usual drills. 

It doesn't sound much, but it was revolutionary to work on mental health just as much as the training drills, particularly to the men's team. Southgate was called soft for having this approach, but he didn't give up, and changed the culture of the team to one of support. Similarly to The Choir of Man, male friendship is a crucial theme in this play, as the team learn to look after each other, particularly during those very tense penalty shoot outs. 

In essence, Dear England shows an amazing example of tackling toxic masculinity 

With political figures and pundits we know cameoing every so often, we also are faced with the constant scrutiny that Southgate and their team together. 

From discussing what the England flag means to the team, to them choosing to take the knee before the match, and the riots that ensured when England loses, particularly the abuse the players of colour received. Writer James Graham handles all this with great sensitivity, and a little bit of humour when appropriate. 

The standout in this huge ensemble cast is Gwilyn Lee, who plays Southgate 

Lee gets the softer nature of him down to a T and hooks the audience from the opening revolve, whatever your initial opinions on the real guy may be. When he's in euphoria, you feel it too. When he's trying to encourage his team, you want to support him support them.

Speaking of support, this is a time to mention that whilst everyone in this ensemble cast is amazing in their own right, I must also mention Liz White as Dr Pippa Grange, the Australian psycologist Gareth brings into the team; and also Ryan Whittle as Harry Kane. A lot of Harry's lines bring a lot of laughs, but he has a big emotional scene at the end of the play that packs a punch. 

Several of the cast members also cameo many different roles, and a standout for me is Felix Forde as Alex Scott and Theresa May, as well as my original Seymour, Gunnar Cauthery (Mack & Mabel), who plays Gary Lineker among others. 

If this intrigues you, I definitely recommend you to go and watch - at the Lowry, it is the closest you may get to seeing the National Theatre's original

The Lyric stage is big enough for the revolves that they brought from the National, whereas it would not fit in other theatres across the country. 

The stage itself is huge, and slanted on a raised platform. Surrounded by a giant ring light shining on the cast like a halo as they intricately choreograph moving lockers, train, and play their matches (sans actual football). I was amazed just how amazing Dear England. Never did I think I would be loving a play centred around football, but here we are.

If you still wish to catch Dear England, and get Vindaloo and Sweet Caroline stuck in your head, then it is only on until the 29th of this month - so this coming Sunday. I would highly recommend.