The highly praised National Theatre production of James Graham’s Olivier Award-winning play, Dear England, has officially kicked off its much-anticipated national tour. After a successful run in the West End, the show will now visit 16 venues throughout the country in a co-production with JAS Theatricals. The tour commenced this week at the Theatre Royal Plymouth and is scheduled to run until March 2026.
Starring David Sturzaker as England manager Gareth Southgate, the cast features Samantha Womack in the role of team psychologist Pippa Grange. The ensemble also includes talented actors Jake Ashton-Nelson as Jordan Henderson, Jayden Hanley as Marcus Rashford, and Oscar Gough as Harry Kane, who collectively portray the inspiring and emotional journey of Southgate’s transformative tenure as England manager.
Dear England delves into the “years of hurt” that have historically plagued the England men’s team, tracing Southgate’s efforts to shift the team’s mentality. Directed by Rupert Goold with set design by Es Devlin, the production has been hailed as a “gripping, moving, and funny” theatrical achievement.
Alongside the tour, the National Theatre will initiate a year-long engagement program for schools, inspired by Gareth Southgate’s open letter to England fans. This initiative aims to connect with over 10,000 young people, encouraging them to reflect on their own histories and will culminate in the creation of a unique sound archive time capsule.
With its universal themes and captivating storytelling, Dear England promises to resonate with audiences nationwide, appealing to both football enthusiasts and those new to the sport.
