No one, not even the most ardent fan, will be watching what happens in Germany over the next few weeks as England compete in the European Championships more closely than James Graham. For at the end of the tournament, regardless of the outcome, James will have the final act for his award-winning play Dear England which, in a major coup, is to come to The Lowry at Salford Quays next year after a run at the National Theatre . James Graham at The Lowry (Picture Phil Tragen) Dates have been announced and tickets are on sale for a production which is, as yet, incomplete.
For James has to incorporate the latest football tournament featuring England manager Gareth Southgate and his squad into a new iteration of the play. “It is exciting but also nerve-wracking to know the story is not yet done and I have no control over it,” said James. “Whatever happens in the next few weeks will make it into the play but it is a bit scary.
“Also it’s a bit sad because I actually liked the ending we had. The universe gave me this really beautiful moment where Harry Kane missed a penalty in the World Cup quarter final in 2022, mirroring his mentor Gareth Southgate’s fate in 1996.” Southgate, the current England manager is the central figure in Dear England a play which, despite it’s obvious football connection, is not just a play for football fans.
James reflects on the impact the studious, almost introverted figure has had on both the England team and on the wider idea of the nation.
