If you’re a Ted Lasso fan, or simply a fan of British football, you won’t want to miss National Theatre Live’s star-studded production of “Dear England” showing at Lincoln Theater this Thursday and Friday. A fictionalized account of the real struggles and successes of England’s football teams, “Dear England” is an exciting and fast-paced play which examines the rocky relationship between the nation and its beloved game.

 

In “Dear England” the country that gave the world football has since delivered a painful pattern of loss. Why can’t England’s men win at their own game? It’s the 1996 Euro semi-finals, Gareth Southgate, played by Joseph Fiennes (Shakespeare in Love, Handmaid’s Tale), has just missed the penalty that lost England their place in the competition. Flashforward to 2016 and Southgate has just been announced as the new manager for the men’s national team. Southgate knows he needs to open his mind and face up to the years of hurt to take the team and country back to the promised land. Notoriously bad at penalties and struggling to progress far in any competition, Southgate establishes a 3-act plan in which by the third act, England will have succeeded in their mission to win a trophy. Support from teammates and the nation becomes integral to the highs and lows of the squad, with Gareth still appointed as manager, and a clear goal in the nation’s mind.

 

Filmed live on stage at the National Theatre, this sell-out production, that has garnered a host of 5-star reviews across the national press, is based on extensive research and interviews, featuring some characters inspired by real-life individuals and some composite characters entirely imagined by the author, Playwright James Graham (Sherwood). Screening Thursday, May 16 at 7 p.m. and Friday, May 17 at 2 p.m.

 

Tickets: $15 adult, $13 LT member, and $5 youth 18 and under, are available in advance through the Lincoln Theater box office at www.LincolnTheater.net or at the door beginning 30 minutes before showtime. Lincoln Theater is located at 2 Theater St., downtown Damariscotta. More information is available online or by contacting the theater office at info@LincolnTheater.net or 563-3424.