Dear England
Dear England follows Gareth Southgate as he leads the England men’s football team through the emotional and cultural shifts of recent years. Mixing sport, politics andpsychology, the play offers a lively, human look at how a nation’s hopes play out on and off the pitch. The UK tour brings Graham’s fast and funny writing to new audiences.
Tour Dates
- Grand Theatre4 November 2025 - 8 November 2025Book Tickets
- Theatre Royal11 November 2025 - 15 November 2025Book Tickets
- Festival Theatre20 November 2025 - 29 November 2025Book Tickets
- Mayflower Theatre13 January 2026 - 17 January 2026Book Tickets
- Milton Keynes Theatre20 January 2026 - 24 January 2026Book Tickets
- New Theatre Oxford27 January 2026 - 31 January 2026Book Tickets
- Theatre Royal3 February 2026 - 7 February 2026Book Tickets
- New Victoria Theatre Woking10 February 2026 - 14 February 2026Book Tickets
- Alhambra Theatre17 February 2026 - 21 February 2026Book Tickets
- New Wimbledon Theatre24 February 2026 - 28 February 2026Book Tickets
- Liverpool Empire3 March 2026 - 7 March 2026Book Tickets
- Birmingham Hippodrome10 March 2026 - 14 March 2026Book Tickets
Written by James Graham and originally directed by Rupert Goold, Dear England premiered at the National Theatre in 2023 before transferring to the West End. It combines humour and insight as it examines how Gareth Southgate’s approach to empathy and teamwork reshaped the image of English football. The title comes from Southgate’s open letter to the nation during the 2018 World Cup, which inspired Graham to look deeper into what sport reveals about national character.
The production blends movement, projection andensemble work to tell a story that resonates beyond football. Critics have praised it for its warmth and intelligence, calling it both a sports drama and a reflection on modern Britain. The touring version continues that spirit, reaching audiences across the UK with a mix of wit, heart andteam spirit.