New musical 'Pride' reveals initial details and dates

Based on the award-winning film, Pride is set during the 1984 miners’ strike, when a small group of gay men and lesbians gave their support to a small village in south Wales.

Summary

• Pride is a new musical set during the 1984 miners' strike
• The production reunites director Matthew Warchus and writer Stephen Beresford
• Performances begin at the National Theatre in June 2026

Dates have been revealed for new musical Pride, which opens in Dorfman theatre at the National on 11 June running through 12 September 2026. This follows a run at the Sherman Theatre in Cardiff.

Based on the award-winning film, Pride is set during the 1984 miners’ strike, when a small group of gay men and lesbians gave their support to a small village in south Wales. The score is inspired by protest anthems, pop, rock, disco and the Welsh choral tradition.

The production reunites director Matthew Warchus (Matilda The Musical) and writer Stephen Beresford (The Last of the Haussmans), and has original music by Christopher Nightingale (A Christmas Carol), Josh Cohen (Sylvia) and DJ Walde (Sylvia).

The creative team is completed by set and costume designer Bunny Christie, choreographer Lizzi Gee, lighting designer Hugh Vanstone, sound designer Bobby Aitken, music supervisor Tom Kelly, and music director Jo Cichonska.

Warchus said: "It was one of the greatest joys and privileges of my career to direct the film version of Pride. I’m so excited to be working alongside Stephen again - together with Chris, Josh and DJ - to bring this hugely emotional and inspiring true story to the stage and let it sing."

Beresford said: "It was an incredible experience to bring the true story of Pride to the screen, and it’s equally thrilling to now bring it to the stage. The soaring, epic nature of this story seemed tailor-made for musical theatre - and to collaborate with Josh and DJ, and reunite with Matthew and Chris has been nothing short of a joy. I can’t wait for audiences to see it."

National Theatre Artistic Director Indhu Rubasingham said: "When I heard that Matthew and Stephen were adapting their beloved film Pride as a stage musical, I knew instantly that I wanted it to be here at the National Theatre. The Dorfman is an intimate, flexible theatre renowned for new writing and for challenging expectations. The world premiere of Pride will push the limits of what is possible in this space, both joyful and disrupting, I can’t wait for audiences to experience its power."

Casting is to be announced.

Check back for Pride tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

Photo credit: Pride artwork. (Courtesy of production)