New British musical Pride is set to transfer to the Bridge Theatre, with performances set to begin this November.
Welcome to 1984. The UK is in turmoil. With Thatcher waging war on the coal industry, and the AIDS crisis on the rise, 24-year-old activist Mark Ashton rallies a group of lesbian and gay campaigners to form an unlikely alliance with striking miners in South Wales. Facing the opposition with their shared love for a laugh and a good night out, they foster solidarity and hope – transforming both communities forever.
Based on a remarkable true story and the subsequent award-winning film, the musical reunites director Matthew Warchus (Matilda The Musical) and writer Stephen Beresford (The Last of the Haussmans) and 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.
Pride is set to an original score by Christopher Nightingale (A Christmas Carol), Josh Cohen (Sylvia) and DJ Walde (Sylvia), with songs inspired by protest anthems, pop, rock, disco and the Welsh choral tradition. A testament to the extraordinary power of ordinary people coming together, Pride has deeply connected with audiences across England and Wales, where the impact of its message of unity has filled the auditorium with electrifying joy, tears and standing ovations every single night.
The cast for the transfer will include Samuel Barnett as Jonathan, Matthew Durkan as Mike, Gillian Elisa as Gwen, Chris Jenkins as Gethin, Darren Lawrence as Cliff, Kirsty Malpass as Hefina, Madeleine Morgan, ensemble, Sarah Pugh as Siân, Caroline Sheen as Maureen, Courtney Stapleton as Steph and Matthew Woodyatt as Dai. Further casting will be announced soon.
Pride 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.
Pride previewed at Cardiff’s Sherman Theatre and received its world premiere at the National Theatre’s Dorfman theatre in June where it continues its current run until September 12, 2026.
Pride is presented by P&P Productions, in association with the National Theatre, Pathé, Calamity Films and David Binder Productions.
It plays the Bridge Theatre from Thursday, November 12, 2026. Tickets go on sale on Wednesday, September 2 here.
Top image: The cast of Pride from the initial runs at the Sherman Theatre and National Theatre. Photographer Manuel Harlan (image supplied)