Dear England: Shells and Thirds deliver a winning performance

Our recent production of Dear England, performed by talented Shells and Thirds boys in a sold-out two-night run, captivated audiences with its energy, humour and emotional depth.

James Graham’s acclaimed play tells the story of Gareth Southgate’s transformation of the England men’s football team, exploring far more than the fortunes of the game on the pitch.

Director of Drama, Clare Howdon, praised the boys for the mature way in which they approached the play.

She said: “Taking on such an ambitious and demanding script was no small feat for a cast of younger boys but their commitment, enthusiasm and willingness to embrace the challenges of the piece resulted in a performance that was both powerful and thought-provoking, with a number of genuinely funny, entertaining moments.

“They have approached every rehearsal with boundless enthusiasm and commitment, throwing themselves into the play. It has been a real privilege to watch them grow in confidence week by week and to see the camaraderie and team spirit that has developed within the cast.”

Football fans in the audience will have particularly enjoyed the many references to iconic moments in England’s footballing history, but the production was equally captivating for those who don’t follow football.

One audience member said: “There was something especially rewarding about seeing a group of young boys come together to create such an impressive piece of theatre.”

Drama teacher, and director of the play, Julia Williams, agreed. She said: “Their performances demonstrated not only impressive acting skills but also the teamwork, trust and collective spirit that sit at the heart of both great drama and great sport.”