The National Theatre Smash-Hit Production Dear England to Play Newcastle Theatre Royal
Following a record-breaking run in London’s West End, the National Theatre today announces a highly anticipated tour of its smash-hit production, Dear England. The 2024 Olivier Award-winning ‘Best New Play’ will visit Newcastle Theatre Royal (Tue 11 – Sat 15 Nov 2025) in a co-production with Josh Andrews and Stuart Galbraith of JAS Theatricals.
Written by the multi-award-winning stage and screen writer, James Graham (Sherwood, BBC One; Quiz, ITV) and directed by the Almeida Theatre’s Artistic Director Rupert Goold (Patriots, King Charles III), Dear England, tells the uplifting, at times heartbreaking, and ultimately inspiring story of Gareth Southgate’s revolutionary tenure as England manager in this gripping examination of nation and game.
Playwright James Graham said:
"I am beyond delighted and grateful that Dear England is heading out on a nation-wide tour across England. To put the National Game on the stage of the National Theatre and then in the West End back in 2023 was an utter dream. Now, to head out on a nation-wide tour feels like winning the treble. As someone from a community that had limited access to culture growing up, I'm especially aware of how vital it is to share work of such a scale beyond the capital. And as a lifelong theatre and England fan, the chance to tell a story about the beautiful game and through the prism of Gareth Southgate's transformative term has been a privilege."
Kate Varah, Executive Director & Co-Chief Executive of the National Theatre, said:
“Dear England by James Graham is our award winning, brilliant play that takes the much-loved topic of football and opens up a lens on so much more: English identity, masculinity and what it means to be a leader. We had a tremendous reaction to Dear England when it was with us on the Southbank, and in the West End. Director Rupert Goold has crafted such a wonderful production that will leave you wanting to sing and smile in the stalls and gasp at the penalty shoot-outs. We are delighted to be working with JAS Theatricals and our partner venues across England to deliver this important nationwide tour so that more people will have access to this incredible show. Whether you are a football fan or not, Dear England will bring you joy and hope for all we can achieve in this country.”
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.
Goold is joined by set designer, Es Devlin; costume designer, Evie Gurney; lighting designer, Jon Clark; co-movement directors, Ellen Kane and Hannes Langolf; video designer, Ash J Woodward; co-sound designers, Dan Balfour and Tom Gibbons with additional music by Max Perryment.
Dear England was originally commissioned by the National Theatre and developed with the theatre’s New Work department. Its world premiere was on 20 Jun 2023 in the Olivier Theatre. Following a sold-out run, Dear England transferred to the Prince Edward Theatre, in London’s West End, where it broke box office records.
The production was subsequently released to cinemas through National Theatre Live in January 2024 and has since been screened almost 2,500 times across the UK. In February 2024, the BBC announced it had commissioned a four-part drama of Dear England based on the stage production for BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
The 2025/2026 national tour of Dear England is a co-production between National Theatre Productions and JAS Theatricals. Casting to be announced.
Dear England plays Newcastle Theatre Royal Tue 11 – Sat 15 Nov 2025. Tickets on sale soon.
Booking Dates:
Friends Plus: Mon 24 Mar, 10am
Friends: Fri 28 Mar, 10am
Flexi Priority Pass, Groups and Schools: Tue 1 Apr, 10am
Public: Fri 4 Apr, 10am
Image: Dear England cast at the National Theatre. Photo by Marc Brenner 7686
