Milton Keynes Theatre will be hosting a production of the acclaimed play Dear England, which is based on Gareth Southgate’s time as boss of the England football team.
The Olivier Award-winning Best New Play will visit Milton Keynes Theatre from Tue 20 – Sat 24 Jan 2026, in a tour organised by the National Theatre in a co-production with Josh Andrews and Stuart Galbraith of JAS Theatricals. Tickets go on sale soon and can be booked via ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes.
Written by the multi-award-winning stage and screen writer James Graham, whose credits include the BBC show Sherwood and ITV’s Quzi, and directed by the Almeida Theatre’s Artistic Director Rupert Goold (Patriots, King Charles III), Dear England tells the story of Gareth Southgate’s time as manager of the England football team in a thorough examination of both the sport and the national at large.
Playwright James Graham said, “I am beyond delighted and grateful that Dear England is heading out on a nation-wide 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.”
Kate Varah, Executive Director & Co-Chief Executive of the National Theatre, added, “Dear England by James Graham is our award winning, brilliant play that takes the much-loved topic of football and opens up a lens on so much more: English identity, masculinity and what it means to be a leader. We had a tremendous reaction to Dear England when it was with us on the Southbank, and in the West End. Director Rupert Goold has crafted such a wonderful production that will leave you wanting to sing and smile in the stalls and gasp at the penalty shoot-outs.
“We are delighted to be working with JAS Theatricals and our partner venues across England to deliver this important nationwide tour so that more people will have access to this incredible show. Whether you are a football fan or not, Dear England will bring you joy and hope for all we can achieve in this country.”
Casting has yet to be announced.
Dear England was originally commissioned by the National Theatre and developed with the theatre’s New Work department. Its world premiere was on 20 June 2023 in the Olivier Theatre.
After a sold-out run, Dear England transferred to the Prince Edward Theatre, in London’s West End, from 9 October 2023 to 13 January 2024, where it broke box office records. Dear England was subsequently released to cinemas through National Theatre Live on 24 January 2024 and has been screened almost 2,500 times across the UK. Dear England won ‘Best New Play’ at the 2024 Olivier Awards.
In February 2024, the BBC announced they had commissioned a four-part drama of Dear England based on the stage production for BBC One and BBC iPlayer, which will see Joseph Fiennes reprise his West End role as Southgate.
A man has been sentenced after being sentenced of multiple sexual offences in Milton Keynes.
Michael Adams, 39, of Coach Yard, Potterspury, Towcester, was sentenced on Friday (14/2) to 13 years following a four day trial at Reading Crown Court.
Adams was found guilty by a unanimous verdict of two counts of sexual assault on a child under the age of 13, two counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and one count of possession of indecent images.
The convictions relate to multiple counts of sexual assault on a girl under the age of 13 in Milton Keynes.
Adams was arrested on 30 January 2019 and charged on 1 June 2021, with the trial following an investigation by Thames Valley police.
Specialist Investigator Jo Simmons, from the Child Abuse Investigation Unit, said, “Michael Adams has rightly been jailed for what can only be described as a truly awful crimes.
“This case has been extremely difficult for the victim and her family who are traumatised by the abhorrent actions of Adams.
“I would like to thank them for their support and strength throughout our investigation but I know that even seeing Adams behind bars will not erase the terrible trauma of what has happened.
“Thames Valley Police takes all reports of sexual offences extremely seriously and we will investigate thoroughly.
“If you or someone you know has been sexually abused then please do report it.
“There is further information available on our website on how to report as well as further support and advice.”
Police have released a CCTV image of men that officers want to speak to following an assault by beating and theft in Milton Keynes.
The release of the image relates to an incident that happened between 10.53am and 11am on Wednesday 22 January at Home Bargains in Kingston in Milton Keynes.
Two offenders entered the store, which was a shop that the duo had previously been barred from.
When a member of staff challenged them, they were assaulted by the offenders, who then went on to steal another member of staff’s headset.
The victim, a man in his thirties, sustained no injuries but Thames Valley Police confirmed that the victim has sadly since passed away due to unrelated reasons.
Investigating officer PC Ryan Dunne, based at Milton Keynes Police Station, said, “I am appealing to anyone who recognises the men in the photo as they may have vital information to assist our enquiries.
“If anyone witnessed the incident or has information that may assist me in my investigation, please come forward.
“You can call 101 or make an online report, via our website, quoting crime reference number 43250034780.”
Milton Keynes City Council has further stepped up efforts to tackle graffiti, revealed they removed over 5,400 pieces in 2024.
Working alongside businesses and partners through the Safety, Theft, Anti-Social Behaviour, and Retail Crime Taskforce (START), which it helped to found, the city council is determined to prevent and deter graffiti, which can blight the city’s welcoming and open appearance.
A dedicated team has been set up, equipped with a multi-purpose van fitted with a pressure washer to remove graffiti at speed after instances are reported. The team also carry graffiti wipes and in cases where cleaning isn’t possible, paint is used to cover vandalism.
Work is also underway to introduce a new Artificial Intelligence tool to analyse reports and manage the likely resource needed to tackle future vandalism. Additional CCTV is also planned as a deterrent.
Weekly inspections have been introduced in the city centre, with daily checks in priority areas. Further work is being done to ensure graffiti on private land visible to the public is removed. The city council will always try to work with the property owner in the first instance and won’t hesitate to take enforcement action against those who fail to comply.
Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Partnerships, Cllr Amber McQuillan, said, “Graffiti vandalism simply isn’t acceptable. It takes an incredible amount of resource to manage this issue, and my thanks go out to the team and partners who are working hard to tackle it. By using the latest technology, targeted enforcement, and strong partnerships, we’re making a real difference. But let me be clear—graffiti will not be tolerated and we won’t hesitate to take action against vandals.”
Anyone wishing to report graffiti can do so through the city council’s website
Former MK Dons assistant manager Luke Williams has left his role as Head Coach of Championship side Swansea City.
Williams leaves the South Welsh club after 13 months in charge, with the Swans confirming his departure yesterday (17/02).
The news comes after a run of seven defeats from nine games, in a run that has seen Swansea fall to 17th in the Championship table, with the team 8 points above the relegation zone.
Williams’ departure came after a 3-1 defeat away at Stoke City in his final game in charge.
Swansea also confirmed that Williams’ assistant Ryan Harley and first team coach George Lawtey have also left the Swans.
Williams had joined Swansea from Notts County in January 2024, marking a return to South Wales after previously working with the club when he was part of Russell Martin’s coaching staff.
He took the Swans to a 14th place finish after replacing Michael Duff, but after ending 2024 only a few points off the play-offs, a collapse in their form saw Swansea fall down the table and Williams ultimately leave.
Williams had previously worked for MK Dons under Martin, where he had served as part of Martin’s coaching staff in Milton Keynes during the 2019/20 and 2020/21 seasons.
