Following the Lionesses’ triumphant Euros win, the National Theatre has unveiled further casting for its eagerly awaited national tour of Dear England, set to kick off this September.
David Sturzaker will take on the role of England manager Gareth Southgate, with Samantha Womack appearing as team psychologist Pippa Grange. Returning cast members include Jass Beki as Bukayo Saka, Courtney George as Alex Scott, Miles Henderson in the ensemble, and Tom Lane as Eric Dier. They will be joined by a host of new performers portraying familiar faces from England’s football history, including Jake Ashton-Nelson as Jordan Henderson and George Rainsford as Mike Webster.
The Olivier Award-winning production, written by James Graham and directed by Rupert Goold, received glowing reviews and broke box office records during its 2023 West End run. The play explores Gareth Southgate’s ground-breaking approach to leadership, tackling England’s struggles on the international stage and the deeper emotions behind the game.
Touring from 15 September 2025 until 14 March 2026, the play will visit sixteen venues across England, including stops in Plymouth, Nottingham, Canterbury, Sheffield, Leeds, Newcastle, Chichester, and Liverpool. The full schedule includes dates at Milton Keynes, Oxford, Norwich, Woking, Bradford, Wimbledon, and Birmingham.
Set designer Es Devlin leads the creative team, alongside costume designer Evie Gurney, lighting designer Jon Clark, and co-sound designers Dan Balfour and Tom Gibbons. Additional music is provided by Max Perryment.
Whether football fan or theatre lover, Dear England promises a powerful, entertaining story that examines national identity, vulnerability, and the beautiful game.
