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Ryan Donaldson (Harry Maguire) and Gwilym Lee (Gareth Southgate) in Dear England (2025) at the National Theatre
Marc Brenner

Dear England

The smash-hit National Theatre production
Thu 29 May 2025 Sun 29 Jun 2025

The National Theatre’s Olivier Award-winning smash hit is coming to Salford for four weeks only, following a record-breaking run in the West End.

It’s time to change the game. The country that gave the world football has since delivered a painful pattern of loss. The England men’s 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.

From multi award-winning writer James Graham (Sherwood, BBC), Dear England is a ‘gripping’ (The Times) and timely play that delves into the highs and lows of English football through the lens of Gareth Southgate’s transformative leadership. Directed by Rupert Goold (Patriots, Cold War) this five-star ‘new stage epic’ (Telegraph) captures the emotional journey of the England men’s team as they try to redefine success, resilience and pressure both on and off the pitch.

With stunning theatricality and powerful performances, don’t miss this Olivier Award-winning Best New Play that tells the uplifting, heartbreaking, and ultimately inspiring story of Gareth Southgate’s revolutionary tenure as England manager. Whether you are drawn to gripping drama, sharp cultural insight, or just great storytelling, Dear England is an unmissable theatrical experience for all.

Gwilym Lee (Bohemian Rhapsody; SAS Rogue Heroes) plays Gareth Southgate in this epic examination of nation and game. He is joined by a stellar cast, including Liz White (Life on Mars; Unforgotten) who plays sports psychologist Pippa Grange.

The cast also includes returning performers Josh Barrow as Jordan Pickford, Gunnar Cauthery as Gary Lineker, Tony Turner as Greg Dyke, John Hodgkinson as Greg Clarke, and Ryan Whittle who is taking on a new role as Harry Kane. They will be joined by new cast members Matt Bardock as Mike Webster, Jude Carmichael as Marcus Rashford, Gamba Cole as Raheem Sterling, Ryan Donaldson as Harry Maguire, Felixe Forde as Alex Scott, Kadell Herida as Jaden Sancho, Joshua Hill as Jordan Henderson, Tom Lane as Eric Dier, Martin Marquez as Sam Allardyce, Tane Siah as Bukayo Saka, and Tristan Waterson as Dele Alli.

Also joining the company are Jass Beki, Jordan Ford Silver, Courtney George, Will Harrison-Wallace, Miles Henderson, Philip Labey and Ellouise Shakespeare-Hart. The cast will also be playing additional roles as part of the ensemble.

Hospitality Packages Available

Get ready for an unforgettable night at Lowry ahead of National Theatre’s acclaimed Dear England.

Book our Going to the Match Hospitality Package or VIP Dining Package.

Select Buy Hospitality and choose your premium seats – along with exclusive extras.

 

Dear England is part of Lowry’s 25th Anniversary programme, which has been curated to encapsulate what Lowry is all about – creativity, opportunity and making the arts accessible to all. From celebrating the iconic artwork of LS Lowry to showcasing the life-changing work we do with young people, our birthday celebrations feature an inspiring line-up of shows, art, and events . And with so many family friendly free activities and affordable pricing as well, we’re hoping that as many people as possible will be able to join us.

 

Reviews

★★★★ 'A winning drama about the beautiful game' - The i
★★★★★ 'As thrilling and nail-biting as a penalty shoot-out' - WhatsOnStage 
★★★★ 'The decade's biggest theatrical triumph' - Telegraph 
★★★★ 'Pitch-perfect' - The Times 
★★★★ 'Slicker and swifter than ever' - Guardian 
★★★★ 'A magnificent piece of theatrical craft' - Evening Standard 
★★★★ 'Consistently, relentlessly entertaining' - Time Out 
★★★★ 'James Graham has scored yet again' - London Theatre 

Additional information

Age guidance: 10+

 

This production contains some frequent use of strong language throughout, strobe lights, bright lights directly focused at the audience, and loud noises throughout.

 

Runtime: Approx 2 hours and 50 minutes including interval

 

We anticipate that that the midweek matinees of this production will prove very popular for school parties.

 

Educational pack

 

Accessible Performances

BSL Interpreted by Emma Jane Mansfield | Sat 7 June at 2pm, Wed 11 June at 2pm.

Captioned Performances | Wed 11 June, 7.00pm.

Audio Described by Caroline Burn: | Sat 28 June 2025 at 2pm & Wed 18 June 2025 at 7pm

Touch tour | Sat 28 June 2025 at 12.30pm & Wed 18 June 2025 at 5:30pm

 

To book accessible performances, please email access@thelowry.com or call 0161 876 2183.

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Gwilym Lee (Gareth Southgate) in Dear England (2025) at the National Theatre
Marc Brenner
Gwilym Lee (Gareth Southgate) and Felixe Forde (Alex Scott) in Dear England (2025) at the National Theatre
Marc Brenner
Matt Bardock (Mike Webster) and Liz White (Pippa Grange) in Dear England (2025) at the National Theatre
Marc Brenner
Marc Brenner
Marc Brenner
Liz White (Pippa Grange) in Dear England (2025) at the National Theatre
Marc Brenner
Marc Brenner
Marc Brenner
Marc Brenner
Tane Siah (Bukayo Saka) and Gwilym Lee (Gareth Southgate) in Dear England (2025) at the National Theatre
Marc Brenner
Marc Brenner
Marc Brenner
Josh Barrow (Jordan Pickford) in Dear England (2025) at the National Theatre
Marc Brenner
Marc Brenner
Marc Brenner
Marc Brenner
Marc Brenner

National Football Museum

Whether you’re a football fanatic, planning a family day out or visiting the great city of Manchester, the National Football Museum is the place to learn more and share stories about everybody’s favourite game.

It’s the place to experience football in all its glory. It’s the place to experience why Football Matters.

All Dear England fans and visitors to this show page can get an exclusive 20% off entry into the museum! Simply use the discount code DEARENGLAND20 at the NFM checkout to claim your discount on all paid tickets.

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