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.
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.
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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?
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“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”.
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BREAKING TRANSFER NEWS! ⚽️
Direct from its sold-out run at the @NationalTheatre, a record-breaking run in the West End, and scooping up Best New Play at this year's Olivier Awards, #DearEnglandOnStage is coming to Salford in 2025.
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.
Find out more and grab tickets when they go on sale here.
Featured Image – The Lowry
Theatre
Smash-hit Peaky Blinders-inspired theatre show returns to Greater Manchester next month
Emily Sergeant
A Peaky Blinders-inspired theatre show that proved to be an absolute smash hit with Greater Manchester audiences is returning next month.
The pioneering stage production starring the world-renowned Rambert Dance Company first took to The Lowry stage back March 2023, following its world premiere in 2022, and it went on to stun theatre fans in Greater Manchester with a relevant and relatable piece of work that showcases new perspectives, all while still capturing the Peaky plot.
And now it’s all set to return to acclaimed venues across the UK once again this autumn, including here in Salford for its second run.
Written by beloved BBC series’ creator, Steven Knight, with choreography and direction by Rambert’s Artistic Director, Benoit Swan Pouffer, the thrilling stage adaptation sees the stunning Rambert dancers perform to an iconic soundtrack from a live on-stage band.
A smash-hit Peaky Blinders-inspired theatre show is returning to Greater Manchester next month / Credit: Johan Persson (via The Lowry)
As well as referencing popular storylines from the BBC drama series, starring Oscar-winning Cillian Murphy in the lead role of Thomas Shelby, this contemporary dance adaptation also includes some exclusive plot points too, as well as characters who have never been seen on screen before.
There’s also a specially-commissioned score by Roman Gian Arthur too, and it includes iconic Peaky tracks from Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds, Radiohead, Anna Calvi, The Last Shadow Puppets, Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes, and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club.
“I’m absolutely thrilled the Peaky x Rambert collaboration has been such a resounding success,” commented Peaky Blinders writer and creator Steven Knight ahead of the show’s return to The Lowry next month.
“So many people came to see the show and so many of them were new to live dance, which is why we all wanted to do this, so I’m delighted that the show is back on the road after popular demand.”
Rambert Dance in Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby returns to The Lowry from Tuesday 22 – Saturday 26 October, and you can still get tickets online here.
Featured Image – Johan Persson (via The Lowry)
Theatre
There’s a new Bollywood musical coming to Manchester next year
Thomas Melia
A musical comedy based on Bollywood’s most successful film is set to open in Manchester in 2025.
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, also known as DDLJ, follows the love story of lead characters Raj and Simran, who meet in Europe and then again in India where Raj wins her back as she’s already promised to a potential husband.
‘Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical’ as its titled is coming to Manchester Opera House in 2025 and is directed by Aditya Chopra, the film’s original director.
Since its big-screen release in 1995, the show has never left cinemas in Mumbai, becoming the longest-running title in Indian cinema.
This new stage adaptation taking place in Manchester will feature 18 brilliant songs created especially for the theatre production with a huge emphasis on colliding cultures.
The musical itself has already amassed success at its World premiere in California two years ago at The Old Globe, San Diego.
This musical version sees the introduction of ‘Rog’ who takes the place of the film’s male protagonist, ‘Raj’.
‘Rog’ is described as a rich, charming British boy, also known as Simran’s father’s worst nightmare, it’s the battle of true love and tradition.
There’s a cabinet full of awards backing this musical as ‘Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical’, has lyrics by Nell Benjamin, known for his involvement with Tina Fey and the smash-hit musical movie ‘Mean Girls’.
The recording duo Vishal & Sheykhar are behind the music for this project and are well-known for some huge songs in India.
Support from Rob Ashford as the Emmy, Tony and Olivier award winner known for his efforts for the on-stage adaptation of Frozen, takes on the role of associate choreographer.
This musical comedy really is a full fusion of cultures with the tagline of ‘An East-meets-West Musical Comedy’.
Tickets for ‘Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical’ go on sale 4 October at 10am here.