Dear England - NT Olivier / Prince Edward Theatre / Lowry

I always go for these seats. I'm a fat slob but find the seats are big enough for me. Your nose can be level with the stage and you do have to swivel your head to see all of the stage I think it's 70 feet wide. There are no armrests between the seats. They are a real bargain. 
The first couple of rows at the Barbican were cheap when the RSC was there but that stopped. You will not be uncomfortable. Well done for booking them.
  

They are using the drum revolve? Very risky

I tend to agree, particularly given I seem to have been the victim of more late-run cancellations recently. However, there are some plays that really rely on movement or set, and for example The Times today reports on the "balletic movement to simulate skills and spills." So I do think there may be some plays where the "light" experience is one which the director and/or actors doesn't want to be presented.

I can remember two times it has happened to me when it was towards the end of the run of something very popular and re-booking wasn't possible at all, so depending on the play that might be a reasonable idea. I also seem to recall one where it was very much a star vehicle and the star concerned just did an impromptu Q&A session instead - for the moment I can't recall who that was. 

The issue is that the Olivier limits where shows can have a future life. The Gillian Lynne is booked up for a while with Crazy For You and Standing at the Sky's Edge and @sohoplace is too small capacity wise. 

I could envision a return season in time for Euro 2024 but a West End transfer to me is going to be difficult because the number of available theatres are always limited. 

Mmm .. mind the gap >>
NT: Until 11th August

Nye is set for Olivier from Feb 2024. Coriolanus announced but undated.

We saw the show on Saturday. Really enjoyed it. Second half was slightly baggy, which was a shame, especially as the more important issues seemed to be a bit shoe-horned into that half (including racism in football; here just given a couple of almost monologue moments, when actually it’s begging for more time especially if the play is attracting football fans as it obviously seems to be. A real opportunity, but sort of rushed.) I could also do without laughing at the prime ministers. It irks when people find them funny and nudge nudge, when actually we should be feeling white hot rage that they’re still not locked up. But that could be just me.

Those second half hurried issues aside, it’s a great night out. Something for everyone. And made me care in those penalty shoot outs. Someone shouted out at one point.

Re the revolve and potential West End transfer: they’re not actually using the (infamous) drum revolve for this. Instead it seems to be a revolve placed atop the normal Olivier Stage (we were Row B and were wondering why we were craning our necks so much until my partner pointed it out).

So this should make a transfer pretty easy. I remember seeing Death of a Salesman at the Lyric theatre with a similar revolve set up, so it’s definitely possible. But obviously even this added revolve can be temperamental as the poor people on Monday night found out. A limited run if transferred should make economic sense.

Really recommend it though.

Magnificent, not a wasted moment in its almost 3hrs, fortunately not a follower of football, only enough knowledge to recognise the players but not the results so could enjoy in ‘real time’

Not sure why but became emotional at times which was totally unexpected and hadn’t realised the impeccable Gina McKee was in the cast who was almost worth the entry price alone.

Joseph Fiennes may be the catalyst but as in the denouement the ensemble that makes it what it is.

Wonder how many of the players have seen it, would be quite disorienting seeing yourself portrayed on the stage through a positive and loving lens.


The National is in quite a roll, another sure fire transfer which may hang around for quite a while as word of mouth gathers momentum.

Saw this afternoon and was very impressed, it was just like a game of football....highs and lows and a singalong to "Sweet Caroline!"

Joseph Fiennes IS Gareth Southgate! So uncanny how he he plays the part. Gina McKee was great to see on stage and enjoyed her performance as Pippa.

Will Close as Harry Kane was a stand out and definitely a highlight of the show he had the mannerisms and accent down to a T!

Also enjoyed the comic cameos from the likes of Theresa May and Boris Johnson. Crystal Condie who played Theresa was also funny as Alex Scott, she has definitely been doing her research as she played the role very well.

Set and staging was good, kudos to Es Devlin: the illuminated ring on stage recalls a halo and Wembley Arch, very clever. Also a great soundtrack of Football tunes playing during and before the show.


Definitely deserves the good reviews, a real team effort.

Went last night. I grew up in a working class football mad household but, despite being taken to lots of Arsenal games, failed to develop any interest. Even so I really enjoyed this and would draw parallels with how I also enjoy Ted Lasso, despite thinking that wasn't for me. When Dear England initially went on sale (I'm a priority member) I didn't book as there were other things I wanted to see more. But having changed my mind I got lucky in last Friday's Rush and got two ten pound tickets at the extreme left of the back row of the circle. It turned out to be a really good place to watch from - because so much of the beauty of the piece relies on the choreography, although I'm sure a more close up view would be worth the price of admission. Really nice too that there were so many young people at the performance - both in organised groups and as family members. A very good night out and very cheap with my newly acquired 60+ oyster card allowing me free travel!