An award-winning play about England men’s football team is coming to Greater Manchester

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An award-winning play about England men’s national football team is set to play outside of London for the first time ever.

And Greater Manchester has been chosen as the lucky location.

The National Theatre’s smash-hit production of writer James Graham’s Olivier Award-winning play, Dear England, will have a four-week run at the legendary The Lowry Theatre in Salford next year from 29 May to 29 June 2025.

Directed by the Almeida Theatre’s Artistic Director, Rupert Goold, Dear England tells the story of the England men’s football team under current manager, Gareth Southgate.

An award-winning play about England men’s football team is coming to Greater Manchester / Credit: The Lowry

Originally commissioned by the National Theatre, the play had its world premiere in June 2023, and later transferred to the West End following a sold-out run of shows, where it broke several box office records in the process.

As the nation watches the drama unfold at this summer’s UEFA EURO 2024, the critically-acclaimed play is set to “evolve” in a way that’ll include this key European championship too, all while continuing to examine the crucial role the England team and manager play in English society.

A synopsis of the play reads: “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?

It’ll be taking to the stage in Salford for a four-week run next summer / Credit: The Lowry

“The 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.”

Casting for the The Lowry production of the play is set to be announced in due course, so make sure to keep your eyes peeled.

The Lowry’s CEO, Julia Fawcett, said Dear England‘s run will be a “unique and incredibly special event”.

Speaking ahead of the play’s 2025 run at the MediaCity-based arts venue, Fawcett continued: “With football being so integral to the whole culture of the North West, we know that this production is going to really resonate with our audiences.”

Dear England will be at The Lowry from Thursday 29 May – Sun 29 June 2025, and tickets will go on general sale next Friday (14 June 2024) at 10am to coincide with the start of the UEFA EURO 2024 tournament.

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Find out more and grab tickets when they go on sale here.

Featured Image – The Lowry