Dear England
Location: Liverpool Empire
Dear England is a play about England football manager Gareth Southgate. Coming to Liverpool’s Empire Theatre from 3rd – 7th March 2026.
It’s time to change the game. The country that gave the world football has since delivered a painful pattern of loss. The England men’s 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.
Football and non-football fans alike will be brought to their feet in this joyous, five-star ‘new stage epic’ (Telegraph). From multi award-winning writer James Graham. (Sherwood, BBC) Directed by Rupert Goold (Patriots, Cold War). Dear England tells the inspiring, at times heart-breaking, and ultimately uplifting story of Gareth Southgate’s revolutionary tenure as England manager.
David Sturzaker (Doctors, BBC) plays former England manager Gareth Southgate in this gripping examination of nation and game. He is joined by stage and screen actress Samantha Womack (Eastenders, BBC; The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe) as team psychologist Pippa Grange.
A co-production with JAS Theatricals.
How did a football story become one of the most moving nights in British theatre?
Join Clare Balding and James Graham for an insightful four-part conversation on the making of Dear England. From Gareth Southgate’s quiet revolution to the power of vulnerability on and off the pitch.
PART 1: The Pitch
“It feels like a national play — and it should be on the road.”
In Part 1, James Graham and Clare Balding explore why Dear England resonates far beyond the pitch, and why now is the perfect moment to take this story across the nation.
PART 2: The Psychology
””The lads were really struggling, and they didn””t know how to talk about it.””
In Part 2, Clare Balding and James Graham unpack the influence of team psychologist Pippa Grange, whose emotional toolkit helped the England men’s team confront pressure, failure, and fear — themes that drive Dear England’s heart.
PART 3: The Culture
“The England team belongs to everybody.”
In Part 3, James Graham and Clare Balding discuss how Southgate redefined leadership and belonging — and why Dear England has become a play for the nation.
Tickets are on sale now for Dear England and will start at £15.00 for the cheapest seats and go up to £65.00 for the most expensive. The first performance will be on the 3rd March 2026 and the last show will be on the 7th March 2026. Get your tickets today!
