Blockbuster film Pride hits the stage with much-anticipated musical
It promises to be "funny, fierce and full of heart"
The much-anticipated world premiere of Pride, a new British musical based on the award-winning film, is set to hit the National Theatre's Dorfman stage from 11th June to 12th September 2026.
But before its London debut, the production will open with preview performances at the Sherman Theatre in Cardiff next week, running from 31st March to 18th April.
Pride brings to life the inspiring true story of the 1984 miners’ strike, focusing on the formation of Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners (LGSM) and their efforts to help a village in South Wales.
Directed by Matthew Warchus and written by Stephen Beresford, the musical features an original score by Christopher Nightingale, Josh Cohen, and DJ Walde.
The music blends protest anthems, pop, rock, disco, and the Welsh choral tradition, echoing the spirited unity and determination that defined the historical events.
The cast includes Samuel Barnett, Lewis Cornay, Matthew Durkan, and Gillian Elisa, alongside a talented ensemble.
'Pride has got so many resonances to my own life'
Darren Lawrence plays Cliff, a gentle soul who lives in the Welsh village, and the leader of the men’s union.
He's appeared in The Way, Ordinary Lies, Nuts and Bolts, and Cucumber, and in theatre productions such as The Ferryman, Follies, Kiss Me, Kate, That Day We Sang, A Christmas Carol, The Passion, The Village Social, The Importance of Being Earnest, and Season’s Greeting.
Darren has been catching up with Hits Radio Pride in the middle of their technical rehearsals, and said: "It was tricky keeping it a secret ahead of the full cast being announced back in January!
"Pride has got so many resonances to my own life.
"The show ends in Hyde Park in 1985 at a gay pride - and I was there.
"I ran away to the circus, as it were - I wasn't out to my family, but I got on a train from Port Talbot, and went to London, and I was in Hyde Park when coaches of miners from all over the country attended.
"I was 17 years old, at my first gay pride... I remember it so vividly.
"It sounds corny now, but being surrounded by thousands of queer people back then felt really empowering.
"Certainly back in the 1980s, when we felt very under attack, and we had the AIDS crisis so prevalent, to be surrounded by people having a great time, it was just such a happy moment."
'It's hitting at exactly the right time'
As the cast prepares for a spectacular run of shows in South Wales ahead of its London debut, Darren explained how it's important to be coming to a part of the country where the movement all started.
He explained: "I think it's really important, because half of the story is about South Wales.
"If you loved the award-winning hit film, you're certainly going to love this, because it's marrying the same director with the same writers along with extraordinary music.
"It is beautiful, it is uplifting, it is incredibly moving, some of the lyrics are incredibly funny... for me, it's an absolute joy and pleasure to be singing these wonderful songs."
The musical has been in the planning for a long time, and Darren described how all the cast members feel a sense of solidarity in coming together.
He said: "It's a really important story, I think, and it's particularly relevant now, too.
"The world can feel rather cruel, and it feels that the LGBTQ+ community is once again under attack.
"It's time for the world to sit up again, and remember that compassion, fairness and equality are something that we can't live without.
"We all need to be kind to people, support people who are struggling, and not be so selfish.
"It's hitting at exactly the right time, and feels quite radical, actually, in a way.
"These groups of disperate people understand throughout the course of the show realise they have far more in common than they'd ever have thought.
"And that's the beauty of the story - it's about these people who are nervous meeting each other, but when they do, they share humanity, compassion, and remember what makes us all human."
Director Matthew Warchus expressed his excitement about working with this group of performers to bring the story to life.
He said: "I’m very much looking forward to be working with such an outstanding group of performers to bring this remarkable and joy-filled true story to the stage."
The artistic team is strengthened by set and costume designer Bunny Christie, choreographer Lizzi Gee, and lighting designer Hugh Vanstone, among others.