PRIDE to transfer to The Bridge Theatre from November 2026
Photo credit: Justine Matthew
It has been announced that the joy-filled new British musical Pride will transfer to the Bridge Theatre from November 2026.
Following an overwhelming audience response to its sold-out seasons at the Sherman Theatre Cardiff (where it broke Box Office records) and at the National Theatre, 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 - from 12 November.
Based on a remarkable true story and the subsequent award-winning film, the critically acclaimed new musical reunites director Matthew Warchus and writer Stephen Beresford, and 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. Pride is set to 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 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.
Matthew 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.”
Welcome to 1984. The UK is in turmoil. With Thatcher waging war on the coal industry, and the AIDS crisis on the rise, 24-year-old activist Mark Ashton rallies a group of lesbian and gay campaigners to form an unlikely alliance with striking miners in South Wales. Facing the opposition with their shared love for a laugh and a good night out, they foster solidarity and hope - transforming both communities forever.
The cast for the transfer 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. Further casting will be announced soon.
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, orchestrators Christopher Nightingale and Tom Kelly, music supervisor Tom Kelly, with additional orchestrations by Josh Cohen and DJ Walde, lighting by Hugh Vanstone, sound by Bobby Aitken, hair, wig & make-up design by Campbell Young Associates, and casting by David Grindrod CDG CSA.