National Theatre announces return of its smash-hit production of DEAR ENGLAND

Photo credit: Marc Brenner

The National Theatre has announced that its smash-hit production of Dear England will return to the Olivier theatre from 10 March - 24 May 2025, followed by a four-week run at its Theatre Nation Partner, The Lowry in Salford, from 29 May - 29 June 2025.

James Graham’s Olivier Award-winning play, directed by the Almeida Theatre’s Artistic Director Rupert Goold, tells the story of the England men’s football team under Gareth Southgate. As the nation watches the drama unfold at this summer’s UEFA EURO 2024, Graham’s critically acclaimed play will evolve to include this key European championship – continuing to examine the crucial role the England team and manager play in English society.

Director of the National Theatre, Rufus Norris, said: “Dear England is a captivating examination of football, leadership and English identity that has already resonated with so many people, and we now have the unique opportunity of restaging it with a script which will reflect the outcome from this summer’s Euros. In bringing the narrative right up to 2025, we acknowledge how pertinent and urgent the work is – a living, breathing play that cuts straight to the heart of our nation’s psyche. James and Rupert have created such a special show, and we’re thrilled that even more audiences in London and Greater Manchester will have the chance to experience it.”

Dear England reunites writer James Graham with director Rupert Goold for this gripping examination of both nation and game. Goold is joined by set designer Es Devlin, costume designer Evie Gurney, lighting designer Jon Clark, co-movement directors Ellen Kane and Hannes Langolf, co-sound designers Dan Balfour and Tom Gibbons, video designer Ash J Woodward, and casting director Bryony Jarvis-Taylor.

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.

Casting is to be announced.

Tickets for both the National Theatre and The Lowry will go on sale to the general public at 10am on 14 June, coinciding with the start of the UEFA EURO 2024 tournament.