The full cast of new British musical Pride has been announced ahead of the show’s opening at London’s Bridge Theatre next month.
Summer 1984. The government is threatening the coal industry. Elsewhere, it brands homosexuality a threat to British family values. Seizing an unlikely opportunity, 24-year-old activist Mark Ashton rallies a group of lesbian and gay campaigners to raise money for striking miners in South Wales. Fuelled by hope, solidarity and their love of a laugh, the two communities transform division into unity through an extraordinary bond of friendship.
Based on a true story and 2014 film, the cast will include Samuel Barnett returning to the role of Jonathan, Joe Boyle as Swing, Billy Cullum as Swing, Matthew Durkan returning as Mike, Gillian Elisa returning as Gwen, Daniel Forrester returning as Carl, Dan Hand as Bromley, Robin Hayward returning as Martin, Ben Heathcote as Swing, Chris Jenkins returning as Gethin, Ryan Kopel as Mark, Michael Larcombe as Swing & Assistant Dance Captain, Darren Lawrence returning as Cliff, Kirsty Malpass returning as Hefina, Sorelle Marsh as Swing, Madeleine Morgan returning as Debbie, Catherine Morris returning as Mrs Bromley, Grant Neal as Mr Bromley, Sarah Pugh returning as Siȃn, Shannon Quarini in their professional debut as Swing, Caroline Sheen returning as Maureen, Carl Spencer as Reggie, Courtney Stapleton returning as Steph, Samantha Thomas as Swing & Dance Captain, Mared Williams returning as Margaret and Matthew Woodyatt returning as Dai.
Pride the Musical takes place during the 1984 miners’ strike, when a group of friends formed Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners (LGSM) before helping a small village in South Wales.
The musical features an original score by Christopher Nightingale, Josh Cohen and DJ Walde, with songs inspired by protest anthems, pop, rock, disco and the Welsh choral tradition.
Pride the Musical has a book and lyrics by Stephen Beresford, music by Christopher Nightingale, Josh Cohen and DJ Walde, developed and directed by Matthew Warchus. The artistic team is completed by set and costume designer Bunny Christie, choreographer Lizzi Gee, orchestrations Christopher Nightingale and Tom Kelly, music supervision Tom Kelly, additional orchestrations Josh Cohen and DJ Walde, lighting designer Hugh Vanstone, sound designer Bobby Aitken, hair, wig & make-up design Campbell Young Associates and casting director David Grindrod. The executive producer is Nia Janis and the general manager is Playful Productions.
The show comes to London after previews at Cardiff’s Sherman Theatre and its world premiere at the National Theatre’s Dorfman theatre in June.
It is presented by P&P Productions, in association with the National Theatre, Pathé, Calamity Films and David Binder Productions.
Tickets here.