Events, Festivals and Exhibitions

Dear England at the National Theatre

March 10 - May 24


£25 – £99
The cast of Dear England in the West End 2023. Credit Marc Brenner (3)

James Graham’s Dear England returns to the National Theatre, poised to captivate audiences once again with its potent blend of sport, drama and national soul-searching. Following its 2023 debut—which sold out both at the NT and in the West End and earned Best New Play at the Olivier Awards—this updated production promises a fresh and poignant reflection on Gareth Southgate’s transformative leadership of the England men’s football team.

At the heart of Dear England is a simple yet profound question: why can’t the country that gave the world football succeed at its own game? In exploring this, Graham doesn’t just tell the story of penalties missed or tournaments lost; he delves into the psyche of a nation. Through Southgate’s journey, we witness the weight of expectation, the wounds of history, and the power of resilience.

Gwilym Lee takes on the mantle of Southgate, offering a portrayal that is likely to balance the manager’s signature calm with the emotional complexity of leading a team—and a country—in pursuit of redemption. Lee, known for his roles in Bohemian Rhapsody and the BBC’s SAS: Rogue Heroes, is no stranger to playing figures of quiet strength. His Southgate will undoubtedly anchor the production with both authenticity and nuance.

The cast of Dear England in the West End 2023. Credit Marc Brenner (2)
The cast of Dear England in the West End 2023. Credit Marc Brenner

Director Rupert Goold returns to helm this revival, bringing his signature flair for blending emotional depth with dynamic staging. Having spent time with Graham at the Euros in Germany this past summer, Goold ensures the updated script captures the latest chapter in England’s ongoing football saga, making the play as timely as ever.

Graham, fresh off the success of his critically acclaimed BBC series Sherwood and a Broadway musical collaboration with Elton John, is at the peak of his storytelling powers. His ability to weave the personal with the political ensures that Dear England transcends the football pitch, offering a moving commentary on leadership, failure, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Whether you’re a football fanatic or a theatre aficionado, Dear England is a must-see. Playing at the National Theatre from 10 March to 24 May 2025, this Olivier-winning masterpiece is set to score with audiences all over again. Don’t miss your chance to witness a story that’s as much about the heart of a team as it is about the soul of a nation.

Dear England

Playing at the National Theatre from 10 March – 24 May and The Lowry, Salford from 29 May – 29 June 2025. Tickets (£25-£99) can be purchased here.

Main image : The cast of Dear England in the West End 2023. Credit Marc Brenner.


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Details

Start:
March 10
End:
May 24
Cost:
£25 – £99
Event Category:
Topics:
Website:
https://dearenglandonstage.com/

Venue

National Theatre
Upper Ground
London,SE1 9PX+ Google Map
Website:
View Venue Website

Mark Bibby Jackson

Before setting up Travel Begins at 40 and subsequently London Begins at 40, Mark was the publisher of AsiaLIFE Cambodia and a freelance lifestyle and travel writer. When he is not packing and unpacking his travelling bag, Mark writes novels, including To Cook A Spider, Peppered Justice and Unravelling the Web. He loves walking, eating, beer, isolation and arthouse movies, as well as talking to strangers on planes, buses and trains. He is cursed to come from a family of Leyton Orient fans.
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