Dear England
The smash-hit National Theatre production A new play by James Graham, directed by Rupert Goold – Lyceum
About
The National Theatre's Olivier Award-winning smash hit comes to the Lyceum in a highly anticipated tour.
It’s time to change the game. The country that gave the world football has since delivered a painful pattern of loss. The England men’s 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.
Football and non-football fans alike will be brought to their feet in this joyous, five-star ‘new stage epic’ (Telegraph). From multi award-winning writer James Graham (Sherwood, BBC) and director Rupert Goold (Patriots, Cold War), Dear England tells the uplifting, at times heart-breaking, and ultimately inspiring story of Gareth Southgate’s revolutionary tenure as England manager, in a 'gripping' (The Times) examination of nation and game.
David Sturzaker(Doctors, BBC) plays former England manager Gareth Southgate in this gripping examination of nation and game. He is joined by stage and screen actress Samantha Womack(EastEnders, BBC; The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe) as team psychologist Pippa Grange.
A co-production with JAS Theatricals.
Photography of 2025 National Theatre cast by Marc Brenner. Further casting to be announced.

Reviews
5 Stars
"The beautiful game in a beautiful play"
5 Stars
"A back-of-the-net winner"
5 Stars
"A theatrical spectacle as uplifting as any England victory"
4 Stars
"James Graham's fast-moving portrait of Gareth Southgate's reign. Joyous"
4 Stars
"CAPTURES THE COMMUNAL JOY AND HEARTACHE OF SPORT"
"THE DECADE’S BIGGEST THEATRICAL TRIUMPH"