PRIDE TO BRING ITS JOYFUL STORY OF COMMUNITY AND SOLIDARITY TO THE BRIDGE THEATRE
Following sold-out seasons in Cardiff and at London’s National Theatre, Pride, the acclaimed new British musical inspired by the extraordinary true story of Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners (LGSM), is transferring to the Bridge Theatre from 12 November 2026.
Photo Credit: Pride The Musical at The Bridge Theatre - © Justine Matthew
The production, which has already captured audiences with its combination of humour, heart and infectious energy, will become the first production at the Bridge Theatre under its new ownership by Trafalgar Entertainment. Set beside the Thames near Tower Bridge, the state-of-the-art venue will provide a new London home for a musical that celebrates one of the most remarkable examples of solidarity in modern British history.
Set during the summer of 1984, Pride tells the story of 24-year-old activist Mark Ashton and a group of lesbian and gay campaigners who decide to support striking miners in South Wales. What begins as an unlikely alliance develops into a powerful friendship between two communities facing political opposition, discrimination and uncertainty.
Photo Credit: Pride The Musical at The Bridge Theatre - © Justine Matthew
At the heart of the story is the extraordinary relationship between the LGSM campaigners and the small Welsh community of the Dulais Valley. Despite coming from very different backgrounds, the two groups discover common ground through fundraising, friendship, music and a shared determination to stand together. Their unlikely partnership would go on to make history.
Based on the award-winning 2014 film, Pride reunites its original creative team, with Matthew Warchus developing and directing the stage production and Stephen Beresford providing the book and lyrics. The musical features an original score by Christopher Nightingale, Josh Cohen and DJ Walde, drawing on everything from protest anthems, pop, rock and disco to the distinctive sound of Welsh choral music.
The result is a production that balances the political with the personal, moving effortlessly between moments of riotous comedy and genuine emotion. More than four decades after the events depicted, its message of kindness, community and standing together remains just as relevant.
The musical has already enjoyed an extraordinary reception. It previewed to sold-out houses at Cardiff's Sherman Theatre before transferring to the National Theatre's Dorfman Theatre, where it opened in June and continues its sold-out London run until 12 September 2026. Audiences have responded with standing ovations and an overwhelming sense of shared celebration, demonstrating the enduring power of this remarkable story.
Matthew Warchus, who directed the original film, returns to the story for the stage, describing Pride as a “joyous comedy of kindness” and a story of hope that feels particularly important today.
The Bridge Theatre transfer will feature 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, Sarah Pugh as Siân, Caroline Sheen as Maureen, Courtney Stapleton as Steph and Matthew Woodyatt as Dai, with further casting to be announced.
Completing the creative team are set and costume designer Bunny Christie, choreographer Lizzi Gee, lighting designer Hugh Vanstone and sound designer Bobby Aitken.
With its story of friendship forged in unexpected circumstances, Pride is ultimately a celebration of what can happen when people choose to stand together. Its move to the Bridge Theatre offers a new audience the chance to experience a story filled with laughter, music, courage and community, and a reminder that some of the most powerful changes can begin with an unlikely group of people deciding to help one another.
Pride begins performances at the Bridge Theatre on Thursday 12 November 2026, with opening night on 23 November.
Tickets can be found at PrideTheMusical.com. The production runs until 8 May 2027.