Exciting news for theatre fans in Salford! The National Theatre’s smash-hit production of Dear England is heading to The Lowry, with a highly anticipated four-week run from 29 May to 29 June 2025. Following a record-breaking 2023 West End run, James Graham’s Olivier Award-winning play will return to the National Theatre in London from 10 March to 24 May 2025 before making its way to Salford.
A Look Behind the Scenes
Today, The Lowry has released exclusive first-look images from the rehearsal room, offering a sneak peek into this gripping and emotional production. Dear England tells the inspiring, sometimes heartbreaking, and ultimately uplifting story of Gareth Southgate’s transformative role as the England football manager. The play is a deep dive into the intersection of nation and sport, capturing the highs and lows of Southgate’s journey, and how he navigated the country's painful history of defeat to inspire a new chapter in England’s football legacy.
An Award-Winning Production
Since its world premiere at the National Theatre’s Olivier Theatre in June 2023, Dear England has been a critical and audience favourite. The production won the 2024 Olivier Award for ‘Best New Play’ and was updated to reflect Southgate’s final chapter after last year’s UEFA EURO tournament.
Directed by Rupert Goold, Artistic Director of the Almeida Theatre, the production brings together a star-studded cast, led by Gwilym Lee (known for SAS Rogue Heroes and Bohemian Rhapsody) as Gareth Southgate. He is joined by Liz White (Life on Mars) as sports psychologist Pippa Grange. The talented ensemble also includes Josh Barrow as Jordan Pickford, Gunnar Cauthery as Gary Lineker, and Ryan Whittle as Harry Kane. Plus, new cast members such as Matt Bardock as Mike Webster, Jude Carmichael as Marcus Rashford, and Gamba Cole as Raheem Sterling, among many others.
Creative Team Behind the Play
The production boasts an incredible creative team, with set design by Es Devlin, costume design by Evie Gurney, and lighting design by Jon Clark. The play’s movement directors, Ellen Kane and Hannes Langolf, as well as video designer Ash J Woodward, help bring the thrilling action to life. Sound designers Dan Balfour and Tom Gibbons add to the immersive experience with their compelling soundscapes, while Max Perryment contributes additional music to the production.
The Story
At its core, Dear England is about resilience and growth, not only for the national team but for the entire country. The England men’s team has long been plagued by a painful history of penalty failures, and Gareth Southgate knows he must face the past in order to lead the team—and the nation—toward a brighter future.
More Than Just a Play
Dear England originally premiered at the National Theatre and was developed with the theatre’s New Work department. After its Olivier Theatre debut, the production transferred to the Prince Edward Theatre in London’s West End, where it shattered box office records. The play was also broadcast in cinemas nationwide through National Theatre Live, with nearly 2,500 screenings across the UK. To top it off, the BBC is adapting Dear England into a four-part drama, set to air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
With its arrival at The Lowry, Dear England is sure to captivate Salford audiences, bringing the passion, drama, and heart of this iconic story to the stage once more. Don’t miss the chance to experience this extraordinary production in 2025!
For more information on tickets and show details, visit The Lowry’s website.
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