Gareth Southgate lookalike Joseph Fiennes will come on as a substitute for the England men’s football manager in a new play about the beautiful game.
“Dear England” tells how Southgate missed a vital penalty against Germany in the Euro 96 semis, only to stage a “gentle revolution” in the game after becoming manager in 2016.
Writer James Graham said: “What Gareth Southgate has attempted in his quiet cultural reform of England football I find epic and deeply moving.”
After revealing The Handmaid’s Tale star Fiennes, 52, would play Southgate, also 52, at the National Theatre, Mr Graham said: “I’m so grateful to be surrounded by some of British theatre’s most exciting creative talent.
“To tell this story of the national game on the stage of the National Theatre is just the greatest thrill, if an intimidating responsibility.”
Describing Dear England, the National Theatre said: “With the worst track record for penalties in the world, 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.”
Director of the National Theatre Rufus Norris said: “Dear England is a captivating examination into the complex psychology of the much loved ‘beautiful game’.”
- Dear England, Olivier Theatre, South Bank, London, from June 10 to August 11.
