Dear England Tickets
About Dear England
Football’s coming to the West End! Be part of the crowd for the next penalty shootout, and book Dear England tickets on TodayTix.
London Theatre raved about Dear England at the National Theatre in a five-star review, saying: “it’s our national story told with heart, humour and headers, and a beautiful celebration of an unlikely hero. Fiennes is definitely man of the match, but this is a joyful, and victorious, team effort.”
Joseph Fiennes (Shakespeare in Love, The Handmaid’s Tale) stars as Gareth Southgate in this inspirational drama, depicting one manager’s journey to change the ethos of the beloved national football team. This gripping play, brought to the stage by playwright James Graham and director Rupert Goold, explores the years between 2016 to 2022 while referencing pivotal moments from the past 60 years of football.
Dear England goes beyond the battles on the pitch, delving into a clash of cultures within the team and the nation. Expect a night of camaraderie and laughter, as well as some conflict and emotional turmoil, to unfold in this highly anticipated West End transfer from the National Theatre. Watch as Southgate guides his team and the nation toward a new way of thinking and playing.
Access Performances
British sign language signed: 7pm Wednesday 29 November
Run time
2 hours 50 min (Incl. interval)
Start date
9th October, 2023
End date
13th January, 2024
Categories
179 Reviews
Stars on stage
Joseph Fiennes
Dear England cast and creative team
By: James Graham
Director: Rupert Goold
Cast list: Joseph Fiennes (as Gareth Southgate), Dervla Kirwan (as Pippa Grange), Denzel Baidoo (as Bukayo Saka), Josh Barrow (as Jordan Pickford), Gunnar Cauthery (as Gary Lineker), Will Close (as Harry Kane), Crystal Condie (as Alex Scott), Will Fletcher (as Jordan Henderson), Darragh Hand (as Marcus Rashford), John Hodgkinson (as Greg Clarke), Lloyd Hutchinson (as Sam Allardyce), Albert Magashi (as Jadon Sancho), Kel Matsena (as Raheem Sterling), Lewis Shepherd (as Dele Alli), Griffin Stevens (as Harry Maguire), Paul Thornley (as Mike Webster), Tony Turner (as Greg Dyke), Ryan Whittle (as Eric Dier)
Design: Es Devlin
Costumes: Evie Gurney
Lighting: Jon Clark
Sound: Dan Balfour and Tom Gibbons
Other info: Video design by Ash J Woodward, movement direction by Ellen Kane and Hannes Langolf
Venue
Directions
Location: West End
Railway station: Charing Cross
Bus numbers: (Shaftesbury Avenue) 14, 19, 38; (Charing Cross Road) 24, 29, 176
Night bus numbers: (Shaftesbury Avenue) 14, N5, N19, N20, N38; (Charing Cross Road) 24, 176, N29, N41, N279
Car park: Chinatown (3mins)
Directions from tube: (5mins) Take Charing Cross Road until you reach the crossroads with Shaftesbury Avenue. Passing the Palace Theatre, take Langley Mow on the left and follow it on.
More information about Dear England
Did you know Dear England takes its title from an open letter Gareth Southgate wrote in 2021 to fans during the Euros? He wrote his thoughts on tolerance, inclusivity, and the significance of his squad's vocal engagement in social issues.
Brought to the stage by playwright James Graham (Quiz, Brexit: The Uncivil War), and under the skillful direction of Rupert Goold, Dear England is a wildly entertaining trip to the theatre for football fans and non-football fans alike. Following a critically acclaimed premiere at the National Theatre, the production will transfer to the West End’s Prince Edward Theatre for a limited time only.
Dear England examines the journey of the England men's football team under the guidance of Southgate, both in the lead-up to and aftermath of three pivotal tournaments. These tournaments include the 2018 FIFA World Cup semifinals in Russia, the 2020 UEFA Euro final at Wembley Stadium, and the quarterfinal in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
What to Watch For
- Joseph Fiennes made his return to the National Theatre with Dear England, 20 years after he starred in Love Labour’s Lost in 2003.
- In what Marks & Spencer called “the Gareth Southgate effect,” waistcoat sales went up 35 percent during the 2018 FIFA World Cup as people rushed to buy replicas of the manager’s stylish sideline look.
- Dear England marks the first play at the Prince Edward Theatre in over 45 years. The venue has a capacity of 1,727 and usually accommodates musical productions.
- Fans reworked Atomic Kitten’s 2001 hit song “Whole Again” into a catchy ode to Southgate. The girl group later recorded and released their version of this ahead of the 2020 Euros semi-final titled, “Southgate You’re the One (Football’s Coming Home Again).
Frequently asked questions
What is Dear England about?
The game is changing! Joseph Fiennes stars as Gareth Southgate in the National Theatre's new play, Dear England. A series of losses and missed penalty shootouts have set back England's national football team for years. Can Southgate alter the team's mentality and lead them to victory?
What is the running time of Dear England?
Dear England runs for 2 hours 50 min (Incl. interval)
Which theatre is Dear England at?
Dear England is at London's Prince Edward Theatre, which is located at 28 Old Compton Street, London, W1D 4HS.
How do you get tickets for Dear England?
Check the top of this page for current availability and exclusive offers on Dear England tickets on TodayTix.
Who wrote "Dear England"?
Dear England was written by playwright James Graham. His works include Quiz, Tammy Faye, and Best of Enemies.
Who directed "Dear England"?
Rupert Goold directs Dear England. His other works include Tammy Faye, Spring Awakening, and Ink.
Is "Dear England" appropriate for kids?
Dear England can be enjoyed by those of all ages. An adult must accompany those under the age of 16, and children under the age of 3 will not be admitted into the theatre.
Is "Dear England" good?
Dear England opened to rave reviews at the National Theatre. Time Out called the play “a big-hearted, technically dazzling celebration of football.
Is "Dear England" based on a true story?
Yes, Dear England is based on a true story. It follows Gareth Southgate, focusing on his leadership of the England men’s football team.
Who plays Gareth Southgate in the West End?
Joseph Fiennes will play Gareth Southgate in the West End. He is reprising his role from the world premiere at the National Theatre.
Tickets
Unfortunately, tickets for this event are no longer available.
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