Tuesday, February 21, 2023 10:00 a.m.
Actor Joseph Fiennes will play England manager Gareth Southgate as he is immortalized on stage with a new play at the National Theater
The Handmaid’s Tale star will star in Dear England, with tickets going on sale from March 9 in a production by James Graham and directed by Rupert Goold.
Following the fortunes of the Three Lions, the play explores how England stars in Southgate guise are unable to win tournaments and repeatedly waver when it comes to the dreaded penalty spot.
Launching at the Olivier Theater next month, playwright James Graham said: ‘Telling this story of the National Game on the stage of the National Theater is just the greatest thrill, albeit a daunting responsibility.
“The experience of working on This House at the National Theater 10 years ago changed my life as an emerging writer. Now, with Dear England, having the opportunity to shine a light on another public institution in the form of the England men’s football team is, I know, an exciting opportunity.
“What Gareth Southgate has attempted in his quiet cultural reform of English football I find epic and deeply moving. And I’m so grateful to be surrounded by some of the most exciting creative talent in British theater to unite around this new show.
