The Olivier Award-winning smash hit Dear England returns to the National Theatre
Writer James Graham (Punch, Nottingham Playhouse; Sherwood, BBC) updates his epic examination of nation and game to reflect Gareth Southgate’s final chapter as England manager. Rupert Goold (Patriots, Cold War, Almeida Theatre) once again directs this ‘back-of-the-net winner’ (The i). Playing in the Olivier theatre from 10 March to 24 May 2025 and playing at the Lowry, in Salford, from 29 May until 29 June 2025.
What’s the show about?
Telling the story of the England men’s football team under Gareth Southgate, with Graham updating his epic examination of nation and game to reflect Southgate’s final chapter as England Manager.
The country that gave the world football has since delivered a painful pattern of loss. Why can’t England’s men win at their own game?
The team has the worst track record for penalties in the world, and manager Gareth Southgate knows he needs to open his mind and face up to the years of hurt to take team and country back to the promised land.
This is a fictionalised account of the struggles and successes of England’s football teams, based on extensive research and interviews. It features characters inspired by some real-life individuals, and some composite characters entirely imagined by the author.
Creative team
Director Rupert Goold will be joined by set designer Es Devlin, costume designer Evie Gurney, lighting designer Jon Clark, co-movement directors Ellen Kane and Hannes Langolf, video designer Ash J Woodward, co-sound designers Dan Balfour and Tom Gibbons, additional music Max Perryment, revival director Elin Schofield, casting director Bryony Jarvis-Taylor, dialect coach Richard Ryder, voice coaches Cathleen McCarron and Tamsin Newlands and staff director Connie Treves.
Cast
Casting to be announced.
Accessible performances
Captioned – Saturday 19 April – 2pm & Thursday 15 May – 7.30pm
BSL Interpreted – Friday 2 May – 7.30pm
Audio described – Saturday 12 April – 2pm & Friday 23 May – 7.30pm
Relaxed performance – Tuesday 15 April – 7.30pm
