Picture: Justine Matthew
Following sold-out seasons in Cardiff and London, the National Theatre’s world premiere production of the new musical based on the award-winning film Pride will transfer to London’s Bridge Theatre from November.
Reuniting director Matthew Warchus with writer Stephen Beresford, the stage musical adaptation of the inspiring true story of the group of gay men and lesbians whose support for miners and their families in a small pit village at the height of the miners’ strike galvanised a community, broke box office records at Cardiff’s Sherman Theatre earlier this year before arriving on the National Theatre’s Dorfman stage in June.
The production’s current National Theatre run will end on 12 September before transferring to the 900-seat theatre on the Thames near Tower Bridge from 12 November. Pride will become the Bridge Theatre’s inaugural production under Trafalgar Entertainment.
Commenting on the musical and the story which inspired it, 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.”
Writer Beresford said: “Ever since my first research trip to Wales in 2013, it’s been one of the greatest honours of my career to tell the story of LGSM and the Dulais community, initially collaborating with Matthew Warchus on the 2014 film, and then again – in its most live and immediate form – as a stage musical. Starting the show at Cardiff’s Sherman Theatre earlier this year, to the most vociferous of welcomes, and then playing a joyful, sold-out run at London’s National Theatre, we have all been struck by what happens when a live audience encounters this true story of community, solidarity and courage. I’m thrilled to see Pride take its onward journey to one of London’s best theatres, where I look forward to seeing more strangers passing tissues and hugging each other’
The director of the National Theatre, Indhu Rubasingham, added: “Pride has been such an honour to have at the National Theatre in my opening season. Stephen Beresford and Matthew Warchus have created something truly wonderful. To witness this magnificent story, of two different communities coming together, brought to life first at the Sherman Theatre in Wales and then at the Dorfman theatre has been a delight. Audiences have been having the most tremendous night out embracing this powerful, heartfelt and joyous new musical – it has been a sold-out box office hit and we are thrilled more people will get the opportunity to enjoy this very special show.”
The continuing 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, Sarah Pugh as Siân, Caroline Sheen as Maureen, Courtney Stapleton as Steph and Matthew Woodyatt as Dai. Further casting will be announced soon.
Featuring a book and lyrics by Beresford and music by Christopher Nightingale, Josh Cohen and DJ Walde, the musical has been developed and directed by Warchus.
The creative team also includes set and costume designer Bunny Christie, choreographer Lizzi Gee, lighting designer Hugh Vanstone, sound designer Bobby Aitken, music supervisor Tom Kelly, music director Jo Cichonska and casting director David Grindrod.
The 2014 Pathé film Pride starred Bill Nighy, Imelda Staunton, Andrew Scott, Paddy Considine and Dominic West.
Angela Thomas
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