Anticipation is building for James Graham’s Olivier award-winning play, Dear England, which will have its regional premiere at the Lowry in Salford this summer after record-breaking runs in the West End.
The National Theatre’s smash-hit production will have a four-week run in Salford from May 29-June 29, following a second run at the National Theatre until May 24. The play premiered there in 2023, and the Lowry run was announced in 2024 - the only date outside London until a national tour begins in September.
Written by playwright James Graham and directed by the Almeida Theatre’s artistic director Rupert Goold, Dear England tells the uplifting – and frequently heartbreaking - story of Gareth Southgate’s revolutionary tenure as England manager.
The production, which won the "best new play" trophy at the 2024 Oliviers, has been updated following last year’s UEFA EURO tournament to reflect Southgate’s final chapter as England manager.
The Salford run is part of the Lowry’s 25th anniversary programme, which offers everything from celebrating the iconic artwork of LS Lowry to showcasing work with young people.
The show features Gwilym Lee (SAS Rogue Heroes, Bohemian Rhapsody) as Gareth Southgate, alongside Liz White as sports psychologist Pippa Grange. The cast also includes performers returning from the 2023 production, including Josh Barrow as Jordan Pickford, Gunnar Cauthery as Gary Lineker, Tony Turner as Greg Dyke, John Hodgkinson as Greg Clarke and Ryan Whittle, this time as Harry Kane.
The show's 2023 London run sold out, prompting a four-month run at the Prince Edward Theatre in the West End, where it broke box office records. The show has also been seen in cinemas through National Theatre Live.
After the summer's Lowry run, the show can also be seen at the Sheffield Lyceum (October 21-25), Leeds Grand (November 4-8), Newcastle Theatre Royal (November 11-15), Bradford Alhambra (February 17-21, 2026) and Liverpool Empire (March 3-7).