Until 12 Jan
Runtime: 2h 50m
Even if you have no interest in football, the latest from James Graham—a man who has cast his beady eye over a number of our major institutions—is a very tasty prospect indeed. Made tastier because this examination of British national football, it’s history of almost 50 years of disappointment, and Gareth Southgate’s quiet revolution comes with Rupert Goold at the helm, Es Devlin designing, and Joseph Fiennes playing Southgate, the man charged with changing the narrative of overpromising and underdelivering. With actors playing everyone from Marcus Rashford to Gary Lineker, this is an evening that should score and pull in both theatre and football fans.
The nation that introduced the world to football has since seen an agonising trend of defeat. Why can’t England’s men win at their own game? One ultimate question remains: is it time to change the game? James Graham's Dear England, which debuted at the National Theatre in 2023, has shed light on the role of the national men's football team and how it affects the psyche of the country. Dear England explores how Gareth Southgate has contributed to changing ideas about masculinity in English football and on the England team. Gareth Southgate knows he needs to change his perspective and accept the years of pain in order to lead his team and nation back to the promised land despite having the worst track record in the world for penalties. * Please note, Joseph Fiennes will not be performing on the following performances: • Monday 16th October • Tuesday 17th October • Wednesday 20 December • Thursday 21 December • Friday 22 December (both shows)