Dates announced for world premiere of new British musical PRIDE at National Theatre

Dates have been announced for Pride, a brand-new musical based on the award-winning film, which will be brought to life on the National Theatre’s Dorfman stage from 11 June-12 September, following preview performances at Sherman Theatre in Cardiff from 31 March-18 April.

Reuniting director Matthew Warchus and writer Stephen Beresford, this inspiring true story is set during the 1984 miners’ strike, when a small group of gay men and lesbians lent their support to a small village in south Wales.

This timely story of real-life events, where two communities united and set aside their differences, is set to an original score with songs inspired by protest anthems, pop, rock, disco and the Welsh choral tradition.

Casting is to be announced.

Summer, 1984. With miners on strike across the country, 24-year-old activist Mark Ashton tries to rally a disparate group of gay men and lesbians into forming a support group for the beleaguered strikers. Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners (LGSM) quickly finds itself entwined with a small pit village in south Wales.

What follows is the remarkable true story of two threatened communities joining forces – and discovering they have more in common than they ever imagined.

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, lighting designer Hugh Vanstone, sound designer Bobby Aitken, music supervisor Tom Kelly, music director Jo Cichonska, and casting director David Grindrod CDG.

Director Matthew 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.”

Writer Stephen 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.”

Public booking for Pride opens at 10am on Friday 14 November, with further info here.