National Theatre releases short film by James Graham to mark VE Day

The Next Morning, a new short film from award-winning writer James Graham, has been released.

Released by the National Theatre, it marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War and explores how memories are passed down through generations, while asking what the end of the war means in a world shaped by its aftermath.

Julian Glover, Joseph Mydell and Siân Phillips feature in the film, set in contemporary Britain, directed by Alice Wordsworth and produced by Emma Hall.

Combining archival footage with personal monologues, The Next Morning interweaves three stories of children: discovering a time capsule, a diary, and an unsent letter.

Also announced today, the National Theatre will also run a year-long schools engagement programme responding to the events of VE and VJ Day, and this significant period of the UK’s history. The programme, inspired by Gareth Southgate’s open letter that he wrote to England fans in 2021, will be delivered as part of the nationwide tour of Graham’s Dear England. It will encourage young people to reflect on their place in history, using assemblies and workshops, and result in a sound archive time capsule reaching over 10,000 young people.

The Next Morning is made possible thanks to funding from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

You can watch the film below:

Graham commented: “It’s a real honour to be part of a project that considers how we pass on such a vital part of our national story to future generations. The inspiration drawn from Gareth Southgate’s ‘Dear England’ letter feels especially powerful — his journey, like the themes of VE Day, speaks to identity, hope, and the strength we find in coming together.”

He added: “We were deeply moved by how Dear England resonated with younger audiences, and The Next Morning continues that spirit — a story that, much like post-war Britain, is ultimately about renewal, resilience, and the belief in a better future.”

Performer Mydell said: “What a powerful and moving film, linking the generations through memory and commemoration.”

Executive director and co-chief executive of the National Theatre concluded: “At the National Theatre, we are honoured to be part of marking this important moment in the country’s history. The Next Morning beautifully captures the emotional legacy of VE Day, reflecting on the hopes and aspirations young people held for themselves and their country in 1945.

“This film, alongside our nationwide schools programme delivered through the tour of our smash-hit play Dear England, invites today’s young people to share their dreams for the future. Through these interconnected perspectives, the project brings together the voices of 1945 and 2025 — inspiring creativity across the country and spotlighting the imagination, resilience, and optimism of a new generation.”