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Dear England - Greasepaint and Stage Lights - Theatre Radio Show

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Dear England

Dear England
Milton Keynes Theatre (UK Tour)

Review Complete
“A Powerful Portrait of Passion and Nationhood.”
20th January 2026
 
Dear England, currently touring the UK with a stellar cast led by David Sturzaker and Samantha Womack, delivers a breathtaking theatrical experience that resonated deeply with the Milton Keynes audience on its opening night. This production is a masterclass in storytelling, blending historical weight with contemporary relevance to create a piece that feels both urgently important and profoundly human.



 
David Sturzaker (Gareth Southgate) steps into the role of the visionary leader at the heart of the narrative with extraordinary conviction. His portrayal balances quiet intensity with explosive emotional beats, capturing both the public persona and private struggles of a man tasked with uniting a fractured group under a single banner. Whether delivering rousing speeches that had the audience leaning forward in their seats or sharing intimate moments of doubt, Sturzaker commands the stage with a presence that’s impossible to look away from. His physicality – from the way he holds himself to the subtle gestures that reveal character – is meticulously crafted and entirely convincing.



 
Samantha Womack (Pippa Grange) brings remarkable depth to her role as the pragmatic yet compassionate confidante and advisor. She creates a character who is both a grounding force and a source of unexpected fire, perfectly complementing Sturzaker’s performance. The scenes between the two leads crackle with authentic chemistry, whether they’re navigating high-stakes decisions or sharing rare moments of levity. Womack’s ability to convey layers of emotion with minimal dialogue is particularly impressive – a single glance or slight shift in tone, speaks volumes about her character’s motivations and inner conflict.



 
The creative team has crafted a production that’s visually stunning while serving the narrative at every turn. The set design uses modular platforms and dynamic lighting to move seamlessly between locations, from locker rooms to boardrooms to stadiums, without ever breaking the flow of the story. The sound design deserves special praise – the roar of the crowd, the tension of a crucial moment, and the quiet stillness of reflective scenes are all perfectly balanced, creating an immersive atmosphere that transports the audience directly into the action. The costume design subtly evolves with the story, mirroring both the passage of time and the shifting fortunes of the characters.



 
 
While Dear England draws its inspiration from real events in British sporting history, its themes of identity, teamwork, and what it means to represent something larger than oneself will resonate with anyone who has ever felt part of a community or fought for a cause they believe in. The script avoids easy sentimentality, instead tackling complex questions about pressure, expectation, and the true meaning of success. It’s a timely reminder of how shared purpose can bridge divides and create moments that define a nation.



 
The production feels right at home in Milton Keynes Theatre’s spacious auditorium – the stage design makes excellent use of the venue’s capabilities, and the sightlines ensure every member of the audience can fully engage with the action. The theatre’s technical team has clearly worked in perfect harmony with the touring production crew, resulting in a seamless run that showcases the best of what regional theatre can achieve.


 
 

Final Verdict
 
Dear England is more than just a play about sport – it’s a celebration of human potential, a meditation on leadership, and a heartfelt exploration of what it means to be English in modern Britain. With extraordinary performances from Sturzaker and Womack, impeccable production values, and a story that stays with you long after the curtain falls, this is theatre at its absolute finest. Don’t miss this remarkable production when it continues its UK tour – it’s a five-star experience that deserves to be seen.
 

Reviewer:  Mark Bilsby
Photography: Mark Brenner

 
Here are the upcoming UK tour dates for "Dear England" (as of January 2026):
 
Upcoming Tour Dates

Until 24th Jan at Milton Keynes Theatre, Milton Keynes
 
27 Jan - 1 Feb 2026: Birmingham Hippodrome, Birmingham
 
4 - 8 Feb 2026: Liverpool Empire Theatre, Liverpool
 
11 - 15 Feb 2026: Theatre Royal Plymouth, Plymouth
 
18 - 22 Feb 2026: Glasgow King's Theatre, Glasgow
 
25 Feb - 1 Mar 2026: Manchester Palace Theatre, Manchester
 
4 - 8 Mar 2026: New Wimbledon Theatre, London
 
11 - 15 Mar 2026: Bristol Hippodrome, Bristol
 
18 - 22 Mar 2026: Grand Theatre Leeds, Leeds

 
All venues recommend booking in advance as tickets have been selling quickly following the successful run at Milton Keynes Theatre. Official tickets can be purchased through each theatre's website or the production's dedicated tour page.

We are Gifted tickets so that in return we may give an honest review. All comments are those of the reviewer and theirs alone.
Greasepaint and Stage Lights

Email: musicals@btinternet.com
website: www.greasepaintandstagelights.co.uk
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