Lakeside Little Theatre presents the National Theatre Live’s filmed production of the award-winning play “Dear England” on August 10 and 11.

In 2021, when England wallowed under the scourge of both Covid and a losing national football (soccer) team, controversial coach Gareth Southgate published an open letter to the English people. “Dear England,” Southgate wrote. “It has been an extremely difficult year. Everyone in this country has been directly affected by isolation and loss. But we have also seen countless examples of heroism and sacrifice. It’s given us all a new understanding of the fragility of life and what really matters … When England play, there’s much more at stake than that. It’s about … how we bring people together, how we inspire and unite, how we create memories that last beyond the 90 minutes.”

The Standard gushed, “James Graham’s play is a brilliant fusion of sport and art, exploring our nation’s character through our national game … exciting enough to win over even those who don’t care about football.”  What’s On Stage called it “utterly absorbing, full of twists and turns, vivid characters, proper conflicts, and great lines.”

Lakeside Little Theatre presents Dear England at 4 p.m. on August 10 and 11. Tickets, 350 pesos, are available at lakesidelittletheatre.com.