At the time of writing, it’s been 193 days since Harry Kane became the latest in a long line of England players to miss a decisive penalty. That’s 16,761,600 seconds, 279,360 minutes, and 4656 hours. But to some (like this writer), it feels like it was only yesterday.
Dear England by James Graham delves into Gareth Southgate‘s impact on English football culture and national identity, and numbers play a crucial role in this energetic, emotional, and immensely entertaining exploration, highlighting the passage of time and significant milestones. From the England shirts and squad numbers on stage to the countdown to the World Cup in Qatar in 2022, each numerical reference adds depth to Southgate’s journey as the team’s manager.
“The production is captivating, seamlessly blending archived footage, audio recordings, and dynamic transitions between locker rooms, football pitches, and glimpses of the general population”.
The play’s title originates from Southgate’s letter to the nation before the postponed Euro 2020 campaign, emphasising the anticipation and delayed expectations. Three story acts intertwine with Southgate’s efforts to inspire his team on and off the field while also controlling their narratives. The stark contrast between when England’s players take penalties versus their German counterparts serves as a reminder of the team’s strengths and challenges. Furthermore, the ever-ticking clock leading to the World Cup in Qatar, where England’s tournament ultimately concluded with Kane’s miss, amplifies the sense of both hope and curiosity surrounding Southgate’s reign.
Despite hints at a potentially intriguing conclusion, Dear England remains an exceptional play that celebrates Southgate’s influence with warmth and wit. Joseph Fiennes‘ portrayal of Southgate is subtle and sensitive, capturing the manager’s mannerisms and voice while also delving into his unexposed sides. One particularly captivating moment occurs when Southgate shares his experience of missing a penalty in Euro ’96 with the squad, reminding the audience of the humanity and personal sacrifices hidden behind monumental sporting moments.
The production itself is captivating, seamlessly blending archived footage, audio recordings, and dynamic transitions between locker rooms, football pitches, and glimpses of the general population.
Exceptional movement direction enhances the intensity of penalty shootouts, complemented by an inspired music selection that fuses punk, grime, and even the iconic “Vindaloo.” However, it is in the quieter moments, particularly those involving Gina McKee‘s portrayal of psychologist Pippa Grange, that Graham’s exploration of Southgate as a radical thinker, political advocate, and empathetic father figure to his players truly resonates.
Graham’s writing is both insightful and heartfelt, extending beyond the boundaries of the football pitch.
What sets Dear England apart from other football-themed plays is its ability to transcend sports and delve into broader themes of leadership, unity, and national identity. The masterful intertwining of Southgate’s story with pivotal moments in recent English history captures the essence of his impact on the nation, bringing a sense of unity and pride to a diverse and divided society.
“Graham’s writing is both insightful and heartfelt, extending beyond the boundaries of the football pitch”.
While some performances occasionally verge on pantomime, the portrayals of former England managers, Prime Ministers, and Gary Lineker exude larger-than-life charisma, effectively leaving it all on the pitch.
Notably, Will Close delivers a note-perfect and hilarious performance as Harry Kane, while Josh Barrow’s portrayal of Jordan Pickford during the iconic penalty shootout against Colombia brings joy to the audience. Equally impressive is the ability of the actors playing various England team members to navigate the complexities and emotions of their characters while meeting our expectations and familiarising us with their public personas.
With 193 days since Kane’s penalty miss, time seems to have flown by for some, evoking a sense of recent memory. Yet ultimately, it is the number 57 that holds significance—the number of years since England’s men’s team last won a major trophy. As we anticipate Euro 2024 in Germany, which commences in 358 days, Dear England reinforces the longing for success and the hope that Southgate’s reign may yield one more defining act for the team.
