New musical 'Pride' to transfer to Bridge Theatre

Based on a true story and the 2014 film, Pride is set during the 1984 miners’ strike, when a group of friends formed Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners (LGSM) to support a small village in South Wales.

Summary

• Pride is transferring to the Bridge Theatre following runs in Cardiff and at the National Theatre
• The book is written by Stephen Beresford with an original score by Christopher Nightingale; Josh Cohen and DJ Walde
• Matthew Warchus directs

New musical Pride will transfer to the Bridge Theatre this winter. Performances will begin at the Off-West End venue in November.

The show concludes its run at the National's Dorfman Theatre on 12 September, following a season at the Sherman Theatre Cardiff.

Based on a true story and the 2014 film, Pride is set during the 1984 miners’ strike, when a group of friends formed Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners (LGSM) to support a small village in South Wales. Written by Stephen Beresford (The Last of the Haussmans), the musical has direction by Matthew Warchus (Matilda The Musical), with an original score by Christopher Nightingale (A Christmas Carol), Josh Cohen (Sylvia) and DJ Walde (Sylvia).

The Bridge Theatre cast 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.

In a review of the National Theatre run of Pride, our critic said: "I adored the 2014 movie Pride, based on an extraordinary real-life story, but the keenly awaited, lovingly crafted stage musical version, once again nimbly written by Stephen Beresford and directed by Matthew Warchus, is just as rich and funny, and even more moving. "

Warchus said: “When I first heard the amazing true story contained within Pride I was completely blown away. It’s one of the great privileges of my career to direct it, first as a film and now as a celebratory stage adaptation, and witness the same extraordinary way it impacts audiences. It’s a joyous comedy of kindness which makes you laugh uproariously, weep helplessly and then stand and cheer with a renewed belief in the human capacity for good. A true story of hope that we need now more than ever. We are so excited to be sharing it with a wider audience.”

Stephen Beresford said: ‘Ever since my first research trip to Wales in 2013, it’s been one of the greatest honours of my career to tell the story of LGSM and the Dulais community, initially collaborating with Matthew Warchus on the 2014 film, and then again - in its most live and immediate form - as a stage musical. Starting the show at Cardiff’s Sherman Theatre earlier this year - to the most vociferous of welcomes - and then playing a joyful, sold-out run at London’s National Theatre - we have all been struck by what happens when a live audience encounters this true story of community, solidarity and courage. I’m thrilled to see Pride take its onward journey to one of London’s best theatres, where I look forward to seeing more strangers passing tissues and hugging each other’

Indhu Rubasingham, Director of the National Theatre, added: "Pride has been such an honour to have at the National Theatre in my opening season. Stephen Beresford and Matthew Warchus have created something truly wonderful. To witness this magnificent story, of two different communities coming together, brought to life first at the Sherman Theatre in Wales and then at the Dorfman theatre has been a delight. Audiences have been having the most tremendous night out embracing this powerful, heartfelt and joyous new musical - it has been a sold-out box office hit and we are thrilled more people will get the opportunity to enjoy this very special show.”

The creative team also includes set and costume designer Bunny Christie, choreographer Lizzi Gee, orchestrations by Christopher Nightingale and Tom Kelly, music supervision by Tom Kelly, additional orchestrations by Josh Cohen and DJ Walde, lighting designer Hugh Vanstone, sound designer Bobby Aitken, and hair, wig & make-up design Campbell Young Associates.

Further casting will be announced soon.

Check back for Pride tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

Photo credit: Pride at the National Theatre. (Courtesy of production)