Smash hit football play Dear England coming to Southampton

The Olivier Award-winning 'Best New Play' will be at Mayflower Theatre from January 13 to 17 2026.

Tickets are set to go on sale on February 25 via mayflower.org.uk

Image: Marc Brenner

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Written by the multi-award-winning stage and screen writer, James Graham (Sherwood) and directed by the Almeida Theatre’s Artistic Director Rupert Goold (Patriots, King Charles III), Dear England, tells the uplifting, at times heartbreaking, and ultimately inspiring story of Gareth Southgate’s revolutionary tenure as England manager in this gripping examination of nation and game.

(Image: Marc Brenner) Playwright James Graham said: "I am beyond delighted and grateful that Dear England is heading out on a nationwide tour across England.

"To put the National Game on the stage of the National Theatre and then in the West End back in 2023 was an utter dream. Now, to head out on a nation-wide tour feels like winning the treble. As someone from a community that had limited access to culture growing up, I'm especially aware of how vital it is to share work of such a scale beyond the capital.

"And as a lifelong theatre and England fan, the chance to tell a story about the beautiful game and through the prism of Gareth Southgate's transformative term has been a privilege. I think he has been a remarkable leader, and it fills me with great excitement and joy that we get to share Rupert's euphoric and entertaining production, with all its incredible movement and music, once more with audiences around the country."

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.

(Image: Marc Brenner)