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. 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.

Gwilym Lee (Bohemian Rhapsody; SAS Rogue Heroes, BBC) plays former England manager Gareth Southgate in the return of this ‘thrilling drama’ (Evening Standard).

Writer James Graham (Sherwood, BBC; Punch, Nottingham Playhouse) updates his epic examination of nation and game to reflect Gareth Southgate’s final chapter as England manager. Rupert Goold (Patriots; Best of Enemies) once again directs this ‘back-of-the-net winner’ (The i), with set design by Es Devlin (Coriolanus, The Lehman Trilogy).

Please note: 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.

 

Reviews

★★★★★ ‘A theatrical spectacle as uplifting as any England victory’ - The Telegraph

★★★★★ ‘Utterly absorbing. A powerful epic for our times’ - WhatsOnStage

‘Uplifting, funny, and more entertaining than a World Cup final’ - Tatler

 

 

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.

 

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

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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.

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