Full cast announced for PRIDE THE MUSICAL at Bridge Theatre
Photo credit: Manuel Harlan
Full casting has been announced for the joy-filled new British musical Pride, which opens at London’s Bridge Theatre next month (12 November), following overwhelming audience responses during its record-breaking sold-out seasons at Cardiff’s Sherman Theatre and at the National Theatre.
Based on a remarkable true story and award-winning 2014 film, the critically acclaimed new musical reunites Matthew Warchus, director of Matilda the Musical, which is currently celebrating 15 years in the West End, and Stephen Beresford, whose upcoming film Elsinore is receiving rave reviews around the world.
The hilarious and heartfelt new musical will be the premiere production at London’s 900-seat state-of-the-art Bridge Theatre - now owned and operated by Trafalgar Entertainment.
The full cast for Pride the Musical at the Bridge Theatre includes Samuel Barnett (The History Boys) returning to the role of Jonathan, Joe Boyle (Fame) as Swing, Billy Cullum (A Christmas Carol) as Swing, Matthew Durkan (Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead) returning as Mike, Gillian Elisa (Under Milk Wood) returning as Gwen, Daniel Forrester (Martin Guerre) returning as Carl, Dan Hand (Oliver!) as Bromley, Robin Hayward (War Horse) returning as Martin, Ben Heathcote (Thank You for the Music) as Swing, Chris Jenkins (Groundhog Day) returning as Gethin, Ryan Kopel (Dear Evan Hansen) as Mark, Michael Larcombe (War Horse) as Swing & Assistant Dance Captain, Darren Lawrence (Erogenous Zones) returning as Cliff, Kirsty Malpass (Come From Away) returning as Hefina, Sorelle Marsh (Kathy And Stella Solve A Murder!) as Swing, Madeleine Morgan (Roadshow) returning as Debbie, Catherine Morris (Grease) returning as Mrs Bromley, Grant Neal (The Last Ship) as Mr Bromley, Sarah Pugh (The Gondoliers) returning as Siȃn, Shannon Quarini in their professional debut as Swing, Caroline Sheen (Mary Poppins) returning as Maureen, Carl Spencer (Hamilton) as Reggie, Courtney Stapleton (Love Can) returning as Steph, Samantha Thomas (50 First Dates the Musical) as Swing & Dance Captain, Mared Williams (Branwen: Dadeni) returning as Margaret and Matthew Woodyatt (Fiddler on the Roof) returning as Dai.
Pride the Musical 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. The musical features an original score by Christopher Nightingale, Josh Cohen and DJ Walde, 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 the Musical 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.
Summer 1984. The government is threatening the coal industry. Elsewhere, it brands homosexuality a threat to British family values. Seizing an unlikely opportunity, 24-year-old activist Mark Ashton rallies a group of lesbian and gay campaigners to raise money for striking miners in South Wales.
Fuelled by hope, solidarity and their love of a laugh, the two communities transform division into unity through an extraordinary bond of friendship.
The creative team is completed by set and costume designer Bunny Christie, choreographer Lizzi Gee, orchestrators Christopher Nightingale and Tom Kelly, music supervisor Tom Kelly, with additional orchestrations by Josh Cohen and DJ Walde, lighting designer Hugh Vanstone, sound designer Bobby Aitken, hair, wig & make-up designer Campbell Young Associates, and casting director David Grindrod CDG CSA.
