Pride the Musical at the National Theatre, London

Summer, 1984. Miners are striking across the country. In London, 24-year-old activist Mark Ashton decides to do something unexpected. He rallies a disparate group of gay men and lesbians to raise money for the beleaguered mining communities, forming Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners. What happens next is one of the most remarkable and unlikely alliances in British social history. Pride, a brand-new musical based on the beloved 2014 film, brings this story to the stage at the National Theatre's Dorfman from 11 June to 12 September 2026.

What Is Pride the Musical About?

When LGSM first reaches out to a small pit village in South Wales, the reception is far from warm. Two communities with little apparent common ground are forced to confront their assumptions about each other. But as the miners and activists begin to connect, they discover they share far more than they imagined: a fight for dignity, solidarity in the face of hostility and the stubborn belief that people can make a difference when they stand together. The story is at turns hilarious, deeply moving and charged with political urgency. It is based on real events that ultimately helped change the course of LGBTQ+ rights in Britain.

Pride: From 2014 Film to World Premiere Stage Musical

The 2014 Pathé film, which starred Bill Nighy, Imelda Staunton, Andrew Scott and Dominic West, was directed by Matthew Warchus and written by Stephen Beresford. Both return for the stage musical. Beresford has adapted his screenplay for the theatre and written the lyrics, while Warchus directs. The original score, composed by Christopher Nightingale, Josh Cohen and DJ Walde, draws on protest anthems, pop, rock, disco and the Welsh choral tradition, capturing the energy of two communities finding their voice.

Pride Musical Cast and Creative Team

The production team is equally impressive. Set and costume design is by Bunny Christie, choreography by Lizzi Gee, lighting design by Hugh Vanstone, sound design by Bobby Aitken, music supervision by Tom Kelly, and music direction by Jo Cichonska. Casting is by David Grindrod. The cast includes Samuel Barnett as Jonathan, Lewis Cornay as Bromley, Matthew Durkan as Mike, Gillian Elisa as Gwen, Robin Hayward as Martin and Chris Jenkins in the ensemble, among others.

National Theatre Dorfman, South Bank London

The Dorfman is the National Theatre's smallest and most flexible auditorium, seating around 450. Its intimate scale makes it the ideal space for a story built on personal connections and community. The Dorfman has a reputation for bold new writing and work that challenges expectations. As National Theatre Director Indhu Rubasingham has said, this world premiere will push the limits of what is possible in the space. The National Theatre is located on the South Bank, a short walk from Waterloo station.

Book Pride the Musical Tickets

Pride is funny, fierce and full of heart. It is the kind of musical that leaves you buzzing with energy and belief, and it tells a story that feels urgent all over again. With a three-month run in one of London's most intimate venues, tickets will be in high demand. Book on tickadoo and be among the first to see this world premiere musical event.