Get ready, England, The National Theatre’s Olivier Award-winning sensation, Dear England, is hitting the road.
The ultimate story of the man in football whose career of highs and lows, Gareth Southgate, is back, following a record-breaking, sold-out run in London’s West End, James Graham’s powerful play is now touring to 16 venues across the country.
Don’t miss Hamlet on at the National Theatre in Southbank until 22 November, too.
This is your chance to see the show that has brought both football fans and theatre lovers to their feet. Prepare for an inspiring, heartbreaking, and ultimately uplifting story!
Time for a change
Dear England tells the story of the England men’s football team and its manager, Gareth Southgate. The country that gave football to the world has endured a painful pattern of loss, especially when it comes to penalty shootouts. To change this, Southgate knows he must open his mind, confront years of hurt, and lead his team and country back to the promised land.
The Daily Telegraph says it masterfully captures the spirit of a team and a nation learning to believe again. So, you know it’s good.
Did you know Dolly Parton’s got a new show? It’s on in Sydney now
New cast
Leading the cast is David Sturzaker, who takes on the pivotal role of England manager Gareth Southgate. He is joined by Samantha Womack, known for her roles in EastEnders and Mount Pleasant, as team psychologist Pippa Grange.
The talented ensemble cast includes:
- Jake Ashton-Nelson as Jordan Henderson
- Luke Azille as Jadon Sancho
- Ian Bartholomew as Greg Dyke
- Jass Beki as Bukayo Saka
- Ashley Byam as Raheem Sterling
- Oscar Gough as Harry Kane
- Jayden Hanley as Marcus Rashford
- Connor Hawker as Harry Maguire
- Jack Maddison as Jordan Pickford
- Liam Prince-Donnelly as Dele Alli
This phenomenal production is written by the multi-award-winning James Graham (Punch, Sherwood) and directed by the Almeida Theatre’s Artistic Director, Rupert Goold. The stunning set design, which transforms the stage into a football pitch and beyond, is created by the visionary Es Devlin, known for her work on Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour and The Lehman Trilogy.
Don’t forget to see other productions on stage in London too, like The importance of being earnest with Olly Alexander.
Where to see Dear England
The tour kicked off at the Theatre Royal Plymouth and will be visiting towns and cities across England until March 2026. Don’t miss your chance to see it!
- Theatre Royal Plymouth: Until 20 September
- Nottingham Theatre Royal: 23 – 27 September
- The Marlowe, Canterbury: 7 – 18 October
- Sheffield Lyceum: 21 – 25 October
- Leeds Grand Theatre: 4 – 8 November
- Theatre Royal Newcastle: 11 – 15 November
- Chichester Festival Theatre: 20 – 29 November
- Mayflower Theatre, Southampton: 13 – 17 January
- Milton Keynes Theatre: 20 – 24 January
- New Theatre, Oxford: 27 – 31 January
- Norwich Theatre Royal: 3 – 7 February
- New Victoria Theatre, Woking: 10 – 14 February
- The Alhambra Theatre, Bradford: 17 – 21 February
- New Wimbledon Theatre: 24 – 28 February
- Liverpool Empire: 3 – 7 March
- Birmingham Hippodrome: 10 – 14 March
If you’re travelling around Australia and seeing a show, remember Sydney has a new dining district to eat at