Pride (musical)
| Pride | |
|---|---|
| A New Musical | |
 Production Poster | |
| Music | Christopher Nightingale Josh Cohen DJ Walde |
| Lyrics | Stephen Beresford |
| Book | Stephen Beresford |
| Setting | 1984 British miners' strike |
| Basis | Pride by Stephen Beresford |
| Premiere | 31 March 2026: Sherman Theatre, Cardiff |
| Productions | 2026 Cardiff 2026 London |
Pride is a musical with book and lyrics by Stephen Beresford and music by Christopher Nightingale, Josh Cohen and DJ Walde. The musical is based on Beresford's 2014 film of the same name which in turn is depicts the true story of the Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners campaign during the British miners' strike in 1984. [1][2][3][4]
The musical, directed by Matthew Warchus (who also directed the film) made its world premiere at the Sherman Theatre, Cardiff on 31 March 2026 before opening in the Dorfman Theatre at the Royal National Theatre, London in June 2026.[5]
Background
The musical is based on the 2014 film Pride, by Stephen Beresford.[6]
In 2014, at a screening of the film in London Beresford revealed that early talks had taken place about adapting the film into a stage musical.[7] In 2022, Matthew Warchus who directed the film announced that a stage musical was in development with Beresford returning to write the script.[8]
The musical was officially announced on 29 April 2025, as part of Indhu Rubasingham's inaugural season announcement as Director of the Royal National Theatre, in a co-production with Sherman Theatre.[9][10]
Production
World premiere: Cardiff and London (2026)
The musical had its world premiere with preview performances at the Sherman Theatre in Cardiff from 31 March to 18 April 2026, before transferring to the Dorfman Theatre at the Royal National Theatre in London from 11 June, with an official opening night on 25 June, running until 12 September 2026. It is directed by Matthew Warchus, set and costume designed by Bunny Christie and choreographed by Lizzi Gee.[11] Casting was announced on 20 January 2026.[12]
Following the run at the National, the musical will transfer to the Bridge Theatre from 12 November 2026, running until 8 May 2027.[13]
Cast and characters
| Character | Cardiff | London (National) | London (Bridge) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | |||
| Jonathan | Samuel Barnett | ||
| Bromley | Lewis Cornay | ||
| Gwen | Gillian Elisa | ||
| Mike | Matthew Durkan | ||
| Martin | Robin Hayward | ||
| Gethin | Chris Jenkins | ||
| Cliff | Darren Lawrence | ||
| Mark | Jhon Lumsden | ||
| Hefina | Kirsty Malpass | ||
| Sian | Sarah Pugh | ||
| Reggie | Jordan Shaw | ||
| Steph | Courtney Stapleton | ||
| Maureen | Caroline Sheen | ||
| Magaret | Mared Williams | ||
| Dai | Matthew Woodyatt | ||
References
- ↑ ""Pride" musical in development, Matthew Warchus announces". whatsonstage.com. WhatsOnStage.com . 3 December 2022. Retrieved 6 January 2026.
- ↑ "Pride musical announces world premiere dates and details". whatsonstage.com. WhatsOnStage.com. 4 November 2025. Retrieved 6 January 2026.
- ↑ "Pride musical confirms dates for world premiere". thestage.co.uk. The Stage. 4 November 2025. Retrieved 6 January 2026.
- ↑ "Pride musical to have world premiere runs at the National Theatre and Sherman Theatre". whatsonstage.com. WhatsOnStage.com. 29 April 2025. Retrieved 6 January 2026.
- ↑ "London is getting the world premiere of a new musical based on the cult movie 'Pride'". timeout.com. Time Out. 4 November 2025. Retrieved 6 January 2026.
- ↑ "New Musical Pride Headed to London's National, Directed by Tony Winner Matthew Warchus". playbill.com. Playbill. 4 November 2025. Retrieved 6 January 2026.
- ↑ "'Pride' Screenwriter Reveals Plans for Musical Adaptatio". hollywoodreporter.com. The Hollywood Reporter. 16 September 2014. Retrieved 6 January 2026.
- ↑ Ritman, Alex (2022-10-03). "'Matilda the Musical' Director Matthew Warchus on Opening the London Film Festival, Emma Thompson's "Big Surprise" and Bringing 'Pride' to Stage". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2025-11-04.
- ↑ "Theatre feature: Indhu Rubasingham promises an inaugural NT season to DEI for". British Theatre Guide. Retrieved 2025-11-04.
- ↑ "Indhu Rubasingham unveils her first season". nationaltheatre.org.uk. Royal National Theatre. 29 April 2025. Retrieved 6 January 2026.
- ↑ "Dates announced for world premiere of new British musical PRIDE at National Theatre". West End Best Friend. Retrieved 2025-11-04.
- ↑ "Pride musical announces full cast for world premiere". 2026-01-20. Retrieved 2026-02-02.
- ↑ Ramachandran, Naman (2026-08-25). "'Pride' Musical to Transfer to Bridge Theatre From November; Director Says Bigger Venue Means the 'Comedy Will Really Benefit From More People Watching'". Variety. Retrieved 2026-08-27.