The National Theatre has announced casting for its highly anticipated national tour of Dear England, which visits Milton Keynes in early 2026.
Leading the cast will be David Sturzaker as England manager Gareth Southgate, with EastEnders and Mount Pleasant actress Samantha Womack playing the role of team psychologist Pippa Grange.
Football and non-football fans alike will be brought to their feet for this inspiring, at times heartbreaking, and ultimately uplifting story of Gareth Southgate’s revolutionary tenure as England manager.
The Olivier Award-winning Best New Play, which broke box office records during its West End run in 2023, and will play 16 venues on this tour - including stay at Milton Keynes Thetare in January.
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.
"I'm thrilled to be taking on the role of Gareth Southgate," David said, "It's a great responsibility and an honour to be playing him. He’s been an inspiring figurehead for many, rebuilding a team, and the country’s self-belief at what is possible, on and off, the football pitch.
"This is one of the aspects of the play that resonates most for me - the ability of football, and sport in general, to extend its reach beyond the game, to unite us and inspire us in our lives beyond the sport itself. It's also hugely exciting to be involved in a production that has already been such a hit in London and Salford.
"I'm looking forward to taking Dear England on tour across the country, giving many more people the opportunity to see this fantastic show,” he said.
Speaking about her role, Samantha said: "I am so excited to be returning to the stage to perform in Dear England. It's a wonderful piece of theatre - entertaining and thought-provoking as well as incredibly staged. I am also fascinated by Pippa Grange and her impact on England men's team during her term as Head of People and Team Development at the Football Association during Gareth Southgate’s tenure.
"She fundamentally changed the culture and, in turn, the course of sporting history by teaching the squad to embrace their fears and she's an extremely inspiring role to take on. I can't wait to delve in and get back to touring around the country with this fantastic show."
Dear England plays at Milton Keynes Theatre from January 20 - January 24, 2026.
Tickets are on sale here: https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/dear-england/milton-keynes-theatre/
