National Theatre's 'Dear England' Captivates Woking Audiences
The National Theatre's celebrated production, Dear England, is currently on a national tour and has arrived at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking, where it will be performing until tomorrow, Saturday. This powerful play serves as a mirror to contemporary society, blending humour, humanity, and heart to capture the national mood in a way few recent British works have achieved.
A Story That Resonates Beyond Football
Written by the acclaimed playwright James Graham, Dear England centres on Gareth Southgate and the England Football Team, but its narrative extends far beyond the boundaries of football fandom. Premiering at the National Theatre in June 2023, it quickly became a cultural phenomenon and a must-see event. The production later transferred to the West End, was filmed for international streaming, and won an Olivier Award in 2024, solidifying its status as a landmark in modern theatre.
Graham's script masterfully uses football as a lens to explore profound themes such as national identity, leadership, and the complexities of dealing with both failure and success. It also delves into issues of renewal and mental health, offering a nuanced portrayal of Southgate's transformation from a footballer to a national team leader. A key plot point involves his persistent efforts to recruit a sports psychologist into the England camp, highlighting a shift in football culture towards greater psychological awareness.
Dynamic Performances and Creative Vision
The production features compelling performances, with David Sturzaker portraying Gareth Southgate and Samantha Womack as Pippa Grange, the sports psychologist. Their interactions effectively convey the tensions, rivalries, and struggles for self-identity among players who are not accustomed to working together as a cohesive team.
Under the direction of Rupert Goold and his creative team, the play pulses with energy and imagination. Staging sequences of matches, penalty shoot-outs, and dressing room rituals with fluid movement and visual flair, the production brings the drama of the football pitch vividly to life while maintaining a focus on the personal stakes involved. The ensemble cast tackles a wide array of real and fictionalised characters, from determined squad members to caricatured commentators, adding depth and humour to the narrative.
Relevance and Impact
The play ramps up the pressures and emotional terrain faced by a national team, landing with unexpected power. Graham's script kicks into play critical questions about masculinity, mental health, stress, accountability, and responsibility. At its core, Dear England offers a simple yet profound moral: a nation's identity is not defined by wins or losses but by resilience, empathy, and the ways people come together in times of adversity.
Given the current political turbulence and cultural anxiety reflected in recent headlines, the play remains urgently topical. Audiences at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking have responded with roaring approval, recognising that while it is a story about football, it is also a tale of belonging, pride, endeavour, and reinvention.
Other Cultural Highlights in the Region
Camp Classics Concert in Guildford
Last week, the Royal Surrey Choir presented their Camp Classics concert at Holy Trinity Church in Guildford, in aid of the Guildford Branch of Parkinson's UK. Under the musical direction of Jake Hellier, this all-women chorus—comprising clinicians, support workers, and hospital associates—delivered a bold and flamboyant performance. The evening featured chart successes from artists like ABBA and Elton John, with arrangements by Terence Penk that showcased the choir's range through counter-melodies and harmonic shifts. Hellier's conducting added visual flair and fun, making the event both entertaining and purposeful. Their next concert is scheduled for July, supporting another charity.
Guildford Shakespeare Company's David Copperfield
The Guildford Shakespeare Company has returned with their adaptation of David Copperfield, marking their 20th anniversary year. This production has previously been seen in London and Ipswich to enthusiastic audiences. It runs until Saturday, February 28, at Holy Trinity Church on High Street in Guildford, following a pre-production celebration at the Guildhall hosted by the Mayor and Borough Council.
