The National Theatre has announced a nationwide tour of its critically acclaimed production, Dear England. Winner of the Olivier Award for Best New Play, this smash-hit production will visit Milton Keynes Theatre from Tuesday 20 – Saturday 24 January 2026, in a co-production with Josh Andrews and Stuart Galbraith of JAS Theatricals. Tickets will be on sale soon via ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes.
Written by James Graham (Sherwood, BBC One; Quiz, ITV) and directed by the Almeida Theatre’s Artistic Director Rupert Goold (Patriots, King Charles III), Dear England is an inspiring, sometimes heartbreaking, and ultimately uplifting story of Gareth Southgate’s transformative leadership as England manager. The play offers a gripping examination of the relationship between a nation and its beloved game.
Playwright James Graham said:
*"I am beyond delighted and grateful that Dear England is heading out on a nationwide tour. To bring the National Game to the National Theatre and then the West End in 2023 was an absolute dream. Now, taking it across the country feels like winning the treble.
As someone from a community with limited access to culture growing up, I know how vital it is to share work like this beyond the capital. And as a lifelong theatre and England fan, telling this story—through the lens of Gareth Southgate’s transformative tenure—has been an incredible privilege. He has been a remarkable leader, and it fills me with excitement that we can share Rupert’s euphoric and entertaining production, with its incredible movement and music, with audiences across the country once more."*
Kate Varah, Executive Director & Co-Chief Executive of the National Theatre, added:
*"James Graham’s Dear England is an award-winning, brilliant play that uses football as a lens to explore English identity, masculinity, and leadership. The response when it premiered at the National Theatre and transferred to the West End was phenomenal.
Rupert Goold has crafted a production that will have audiences singing, smiling, and holding their breath during those iconic penalty shootouts. We are thrilled to partner with JAS Theatricals and theatres across England to bring this extraordinary show to more people. Whether you're a football fan or not, Dear England offers joy and hope for what we can achieve as a nation."*
It’s time to change the game. England, the birthplace of football, has also endured a painful cycle of loss. The men’s national team holds the worst penalty shootout record in the world, and Gareth Southgate knows he must confront the country’s years of heartbreak to lead both team and nation back to glory.
The production boasts a stellar creative team, including set designer Es Devlin, costume designer Evie Gurney, lighting designer Jon Clark, co-movement directors Ellen Kane and Hannes Langolf, video designer Ash J Woodward, and co-sound designers Dan Balfour and Tom Gibbons, with additional music by Max Perryment.
Originally commissioned by the National Theatre and developed through its New Work department, Dear England premiered in the Olivier Theatre on 20 June 2023. Following a sold-out run, it transferred to the Prince Edward Theatre in London’s West End from 9 October 2023 – 13 January 2024, breaking box office records. The production was later released in cinemas through National Theatre Live and has been screened nearly 2,500 times across the UK. In February 2024, the BBC announced a four-part adaptation for BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Winner of Best New Play at the 2024 Olivier Awards, Dear England embarks on its 2025/2026 national tour, co-produced by National Theatre Productions and JAS Theatricals. Casting to be announced.
