Sports drama Dear England, With Joseph Fiennes, official opening in London’s West End on October 19
James Graham’s play about the England men’s football team and their manager Gareth Southgate sold out its previous edition to the London National.
Joseph Fiennes and the cast of Dear England
Marc Brennar
The West End premiere of James GrahamIt is Dear England officially opens its doors to Prince Edward Theater October 19 after previews begin on October 9. The limited release is expected to continue until January 13, 2024.
Telling the story of the England men’s football team and their manager Gareth Southgate, played by Joseph Fiennes (Othello, Shakespeare in Love, The Handmaid’s Tale), the new play sold out its limited engagement at the National Theatre.
National Theater director and chief executive Rufus Norris said in a previous statement: “We are delighted to transfer Dear England at the Prince Edward Theatre. James’ brilliant play takes the theme of football and uses it as a fascinating perspective on English identity, leadership, flawed masculinity and how we perceive ourselves and are perceived on a very different world stage. The production played to packed houses all summer, creating an electrifying buzz in the auditorium, with Joseph Fiennes’ perfect portrayal of Gareth Southgate. »
Fiennes is joined by Gina McKee (My policeman, Bodyguard) as Pippa Grange, Josh Barrow as Jordan Pickford, Gunnar Cauthery as Gary Lineker, Will Close as Harry Kane, Crystal Condie as Alex ScottWill Fletcher as Jordan Henderson, Sean Gilder as Sam Allardyce, Darragh Hand as Marcus Rashford, John Hodgkinson as Greg Clarke, Adam Hugill as Harry Maguire, Albert Magashi as Jadon Sancho, Kel Matsena as Raheem Sterling, Abdul Sessay as Bukayo Saka, Lewis Shepherd as Dele Alli, Paul Thornley as Mike Webster, Tony Turner as Greg Dyke and Ryan Whittle as Eric Dier.
The company is completed by Nick Barclay, Tashinga Bepete, Will Harrison-Wallace and Miranda Heath, with actors playing additional roles in the ensemble.
Rupert Goold (Spring awakening) is directing the production, which includes the set design of Es Devlincostume design by Evie Gurney, lighting design by Jon Clarkdirection of movement by Ellen Kane and Hannes Langolf, sound design by Dan Balfour and Tom Gibbonsand video design by Ash J Woodward. Casting is by Bryony Jarvis-Taylor, and Richard Ryder serves as a dialect coach.
Visit NationalTheatre.org.uk.
