Dear England at The Lowry
Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor
Following a record-breaking run in the West End, the National Theatre’s Olivier Award-winner – Dear England – comes to The Lowry for four weeks in May/ June 2025, offering the only chance to see this smash-hit show outside of London.
England has the worst track record for penalty-taking in the world and it rests on one man to take the team and country to victory. Written by James Graham and directed by the Almeida Theatre’s Artistic Director, Rupert Goold, Dear England charts Gareth Southgate’s revolution as the England men’s football team manager. Packed with tension and movement, the show offers a thrilling examination of nation and game.
Charting the story of the England men’s football team under the management of Gareth Southgate, Gwilym Lee prepares to don the infamous waistcoat as the former England manager in this eagerly anticipated production. Plus, following the drama of last summer at UEFA EURO 2024, Graham’s critically acclaimed work has been developed further, to now include the goings-on at the European championship – examining the crucial role the England team and manager play in our society.
Of the show, writer James Graham, told us, “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 received its world premiere at the Olivier Theatre in June 2023. The show was a sell-out success – transferring to London’s West End, it smashed box office records. The show was soon released to cinemas through National Theatre Live and is currently being developed as a four-part television drama by the BBC.
Don’t miss this big-hearted ‘pitch-perfect’ celebration of football when it comes to Salford.
