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Dear England For The Win -

Catching Dear England at Norwich Theatre Royal turned out to be one of those rare theatre trips that stays with you long after the curtain falls. The production brings James Graham’s sharp, heartfelt script of Gareth Southgate's time as manager of England football team to life with a blend of humour, tension, and emotional honesty that feels both intimate and epic.

On Thursday 5th February, GCSE Drama students and their teachers travelled to Norwich to watch a piece of theatre in preparation for their Live Theatre exam. The Theatre Royal itself was buzzing — a full house, a sense of anticipation, and that lovely Norwich mix of regular theatregoers and people clearly drawn in by the play’s national reputation. For some of our students, this was the first time they had been to see something live at a theatre!

On stage, the cast delivered performances that were remarkably grounded. The impressive cast moved with precision, switching between players, press, and public with a fluidity that kept the energy high. The football sequences were cleverly choreographed — stylised enough to work theatrically, but still recognisable enough to make you feel the stakes. Accompanied by many recognisable football anthems from 'Sweet Caroline' to 'We're singing for England!' - transporting us to each stadium and match retold.

By the time the final scene landed, the whole auditorium seemed to exhale together. It was one of those performances where you walk out feeling a little lighter, a little more thoughtful, and very glad you made the trip whilst singing 'Me and me Mum and me Dad and me Gran', we're off to Waterloo. Me and me Mum and me Dad and me Gran' and a bucket if vindaloo!'

What a fantastic trip leaving all that attended inspired and ready to score top marks on their theatre review!