The National Theatre’s smash-hit production of Dear England is to travel north for a four-week run at Salford's Lowry next year.
The run will be from May 29-June 29, following the production's return to the National Theatre from March to May.
James Graham’s Olivier award-winning play, directed by Almeida Theatre artistic director Rupert Goold, tells the story of the England men’s football team under Gareth Southgate.
The country that gave the world football has since delivered a painful pattern of loss. Why can’t England’s men win at their own game? The team has the worst track record for penalties in the world, and manager Gareth Southgate knows he needs to face up to the years of hurt to take team and country back to the promised land.
As the nation watches the drama unfold at this summer’s UEFA Euro 2024, Graham’s acclaimed play will evolve to include this key European championship.
Tickets for both The Lowry and the National Theatre will go on sale to the general public at 10am on June 14, coinciding with the start of Euro 2024. Lowry members, meanwhile, will be able to buy tickets from tomorrow will have the chance to buy tickets from Thursday 6th June. Find out more about Lowry membership here.
National Theatre director Rufus Norris said: “Dear England is a captivating examination of football, leadership and English identity, and we now have the opportunity to restage it with a script that will reflect the outcome of this summer’s Euros.
"In bringing the narrative right up to 2025, we acknowledge how pertinent and urgent the work is – a living, breathing play that cuts straight to the heart of our nation’s psyche. James and Rupert have created such a special show, and we’re thrilled even more audiences in London and Greater Manchester will have the chance to experience it.”
Playwright James Graham said: “To continue the life of Dear England feels like coming top of the group and moving onto the knockout stages - it's genuinely thrilling."
Dear England was originally commissioned by the National Theatre and had its world premiere there in June 2023. Following a sold-out run, the show transferred to the Prince Edward Theatre in the West End from October until January this year, where it broke box office records. The show has also been seen live in cinemas as part of
National Theatre Live, and has been screened almost 2,500 times across the UK. The BBC has also recently commissioned a four-part drama of Dear England, based on the stage production for BBC One.
More info and tickets here