The National Theatre’s critically acclaimed production and Olivier award-winning play Dear England is on at Oxford New Theatre 27th – 31st January 2026. The highly anticipated nationwide tour from September 2025 to March 2026, bringing its powerful and uplifting story to audiences across the country.
Written by James Graham (Sherwood, Quiz) and directed by Rupert Goold (Patriots, King Charles III), the production will visit 16 venues and explore English football, identity, and leadership through the lens of Gareth Southgate’s transformative tenure as England manager.
A Play About Football, Leadership, and English Identity
Described as an “electrifying and poignant examination of the nation and the game”, Dear England charts Southgate’s journey as he redefines the culture of English football and faces the weight of national expectation. With penalty shoot-outs, triumphs, and heartbreak, the play offers a compelling exploration of masculinity, mental resilience, and the evolution of leadership in modern sport.
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 into the West End back in 2023 was an utter dream. Now, to head out on a nationwide 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.
I think he has been a remarkable leader, and it fills me with great excitement and joy that we get to share Rupert’s euphoric and entertaining production, with all its incredible movement and music, once more with audiences around the country.”
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 South Bank, 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.”
A Record-Breaking Production and BBC Adaptation
Following its world premiere at the National Theatre in June 2023, Dear England transferred to the West End’s Prince Edward Theatre, where it enjoyed a sell-out run and broke box office records. The play was later released in cinemas through National Theatre Live, with nearly 2,500 screenings across the UK.
In February 2024, the BBC announced a four-part drama adaptation of Dear England for BBC One and iPlayer, expanding the play’s reach beyond the stage.
With the production now updated to include the 2024 UEFA EURO tournament and the final chapter of Southgate’s England journey, actor Gwilym Lee (Bohemian Rhapsody, SAS Rogue Heroes) will take on the iconic role of Gareth Southgate. Additional casting for the tour is yet to be announced.
A Theatrical Spectacle With a World-Class Creative Team
Director Rupert Goold leads a renowned creative team, including:
- Set Design – Es Devlin
- Costume Design – Evie Gurney
- Lighting Design – Jon Clark
- Co-Movement Directors – Ellen Kane & Hannes Langolf
- Video Design – Ash J Woodward
- Co-Sound Design – Dan Balfour & Tom Gibbons
- Additional Music – Max Perryment
The tour is a co-production between National Theatre Productions and JAS Theatricals. Assisted performances will be available at each venue, with booking details provided on individual theatre websites.
With its blend of drama, humour, and thrilling football sequences, Dear England has been hailed as one of the most exciting new plays of recent years. Whether you’re a football fan, theatre lover, or someone interested in leadership and identity, this critically acclaimed production promises to be a powerful and unforgettable experience.
With tickets expected to sell fast, make sure to secure your seat for the Dear England tour and witness one of the most talked-about productions in British theatre.
For tickets and updates, visit dearenglandonstage.com.
Dear England Tour Dates and Venues
The production will travel across England from 15th September 2025 to 14th March 2026, visiting:
| Date | Venue | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 15 – 20 September 2025 | Theatre Royal Plymouth | Plymouth |
| 23 – 27 September 2025 | Nottingham Theatre Royal | Nottingham |
| 7 – 18 October 2025 | The Marlowe | Canterbury |
| 21 – 25 October 2025 | Sheffield Lyceum | Sheffield |
| 4 – 8 November 2025 | Leeds Grand Theatre | Leeds |
| 11 – 15 November 2025 | Theatre Royal Newcastle | Newcastle |
| 20 – 29 November 2025 | Chichester Festival Theatre | Chichester |
| 13 – 17 January 2026 | Mayflower Theatre | Southampton |
| 20 – 24 January 2026 | Milton Keynes Theatre | Milton Keynes |
| 27 – 31 January 2026 | New Theatre Oxford | Oxford |
| 3 – 7 February 2026 | Norwich Theatre Royal | Norwich |
| 10 – 14 February 2026 | New Victoria Theatre | Woking |
| 17 – 21 February 2026 | The Alhambra Theatre | Bradford |
| 24 – 28 February 2026 | New Wimbledon Theatre | Wimbledon |
| 3 – 7 March 2026 | Liverpool Empire | Liverpool |
| 10 – 14 March 2026 | Birmingham Hippodrome | Birmingham |
