Preview: Dear England at Newcastle Theatre Royal

Dear England Kicks Off in Newcastle: Gareth Southgate’s Story Comes to the Stage at Theatre Royal

Dear England

Newcastle Theatre Royal 

Tuesday 11 – Saturday 15 November 2025

Previous Spring 20205 Dear England cast at the National Theatre.
Photo: Marc Brenner 

🎭 Evenings 7.30pm | Matinees: Wed, Fri & Sat at 2.00pm
🔞 Recommended 10+ | ⏱️ Running Time: 2hrs 50mins (incl. interval)
♿ Audio Described & Captioned performance: Thu 13 Nov, 7.30pm

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The North East will soon host one of the most celebrated theatrical events in recent years, as the National Theatre’s Dear England arrives at Newcastle Theatre Royal this November. This Olivier Award-winning play about football, failure, and national identity captivated audiences during its record-breaking West End run, and now heads out on a major 16-venue national tour, with Newcastle one of its key stops.

Previous Spring 20205 Dear England cast at the National Theatre.
Photo: Marc Brenner 

A Game-Changer On Stage

Written by James Graham, the acclaimed playwright behind Sherwood and This House, and directed by Rupert Goold (Patriots, Ink), Dear England takes audiences inside the heart of Gareth Southgate’s England men’s football team — a group battling not just opponents, but decades of pressure, disappointment and cultural baggage.

At its core, this is the story of how sport can reflect a nation, how it can heal, unite, and redefine identity — all played out through one man’s quiet revolution of English football.

Previous Spring 20205 Dear England cast at the National Theatre.
Photo: Marc Brenner 

Star Casting for the Newcastle Run

In the pivotal role of Gareth Southgate, the National Theatre has cast David Sturzaker, best known from BBC’s Doctors, and for notable roles on the West End stage including Journey’s End, To Kill a Mockingbird and A Doll’s House. Speaking of the role, Sturzaker said:

"It’s a great responsibility and an honour to be playing him. Southgate has been an inspiring figurehead — rebuilding the team, and the country’s self-belief. This production is about more than football — it’s about what we can achieve when we come together."

David Sturzaker (Gareth Southgate)
Photo: Michael Shelford

Joining him is Samantha Womack, beloved for her role as Ronnie Mitchell in EastEnders, and a familiar face on stage and screen alike. She takes on the role of Dr. Pippa Grange, the influential psychologist who helped change the emotional mindset of the England squad.

"I’m fascinated by Pippa Grange’s role in shifting the culture of men’s football. It’s an honour to portray a woman who helped the team face their fears and find their voice. Dear England is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining." – Womack

Samantha Womack (Pippa Grange)
Photo: Michelle George

Behind the Scenes: A World-Class Creative Team

The production boasts set design by Es Devlin, known for her work with Beyoncé and The Lehman Trilogy, alongside lighting by Jon Clark, movement by Ellen Kane and Hannes Langolf, and sound design by Dan Balfour and Tom Gibbons, with original music from Max Perryment. The tour is being overseen by revival director Connie Treves.

This powerhouse creative team ensures Dear England continues its high production values on the road, with visually stunning design, powerful performances, and immersive storytelling.

Previous Spring 20205 Dear England cast at the National Theatre.
Photo: Marc Brenner 

Beyond the Pitch: The Play’s Origins and Legacy

Dear England was born at the National Theatre in 2023, inspired by the open letter Southgate wrote to England fans ahead of Euro 2021, encouraging players to reflect on identity, values, and legacy.

Following a sold-out premiere in London and a cinema release via National Theatre Live, the play has already reached thousands, and was awarded Best New Play at the 2024 Olivier Awards. The BBC has even commissioned a four-part TV drama, which is currently in development.

The script has also been updated to include Gareth Southgate’s final chapter as manager, following the 2024 UEFA Euro tournament.

Previous Spring 20205 Dear England cast at the National Theatre.
Photo: Marc Brenner 

Bringing the Story to a New Generation

Parallel to the tour, the National Theatre is launching a nationwide schools programme, inspired by Southgate’s ethos. With workshops and performances planned for students across the UK, over 10,000 young people will be encouraged to write their own “Dear England” letters — reflecting their place in the country’s story and their hopes for the future.

The result will form a 2025–2026 time capsule, aligning with the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII.

Previous Spring 20205 Dear England cast at the National Theatre.
Photo: Marc Brenner 

Essential Theatre for Everyone – Football Fan or Not

Whether you’re a lifelong England supporter or someone who’s never watched a match, Dear England is an emotional, honest and fiercely relevant exploration of how we deal with pressure, grief, expectation and identity — as individuals and as a country.

With critics calling it “gripping, moving and funny… as good as theatre gets” (★★★★ The Sunday Times), this is your chance to see a major cultural event up close.

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Book Now

🎟️ Tickets are expected to sell fast for this limited five-day run.
Visit the Newcastle Theatre Royal website: https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/whats-on/dear-england/ or box office to reserve your seats.

📲 Follow the production online:
Instagram / X / Facebook: @dearenglandplay
Hashtag: #DearEnglandOnStage

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