New play based on Southgate’s England team comes to Salford

A new play which tells the story of England’s football team under Gareth Southgate is coming to The Lowry in Salford.

The critically acclaimed play will evolve to include this year’s key European championship as it examines the crucial role the England team and manager play in English society.

Tickets for James Graham’s Olivier Award-winning play at The Lowry next year will go on sale on Friday June 14 at 10 am, coinciding with the start of the UEFA EURO 2024 tournament.

The play will have a four-week run in Salford from May 29 to June 29 (2025) following the production returning to the National Theatre from March 10 to May 24.

The play is directed by the Almeida Theatre’s Artistic Director, Rupert Goold (Patriots; Tammy Faye, Broadway) and written by James Graham (Punch, Nottingham Playhouse; Sherwood, BBC).

Director of the National Theatre, Rufus Norris, said: “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 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.”

Playwright James Graham added: “To continue the life of Dear England feels like coming top of the group and moving onto the knockout stages – it’s genuinely thrilling, and I’m so grateful to all the audiences who supported the show. Knowing that we welcomed thousands of people who had never see a play before was a huge honour for us all, but also a responsibility.

“We hope to continue that mission in London and now in Salford too.”

Dear England was originally commissioned by the National Theatre and developed with the theatre’s New Work department. It had its world premiere in the Olivier theatre on June 20 2023.

Following a sold-out run, Dear England transferred to the Prince Edward Theatre, in London’s West End, from October 9 2023 to January 13 2024 where it broke box office records.

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