The full cast has been unveiled for the National Theatre’s world premiere of the highly anticipated new musical based on the award-winning film Pride later this year.
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, is due to play preview performances at the Sherman Theatre in Cardiff (31 March to 18 April) before arriving on the National Theatre’s Dorfman stage from 11 June to 12 September.
The principal cast will include Samuel Barnett as Jonathan, Lewis Cornay as Bromley, Matthew Durkan as Mike, Gillian Elisa as Gwen, Robin Hayward as Martin, Chris Jenkins as Gethin, Darren Lawrence as Cliff, Jhon Lumsden as Mark, Kirsty Malpass as Hefina, Sarah Pugh as Sian, Jordan Shaw as Reggie, Courtney Stapleton as Steph, Caroline Sheen as Maureen, Mared Williams as Margaret and Matthew Woodyatt as Dai.
They will be joined by an ensemble that includes Daniel Forrester, Madeleine Morgan, Catherine Morris and Graham Vick.
Announcing the cast, director Matthew Warchus 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.”
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.
Commenting on the process of transforming the film into a stage musical, Warchus said: “It was one of the greatest joys and privileges of my career to direct the film version of Pride. I’m so excited to be working alongside Stephen again – together with Chris, Josh and DJ – to bring this hugely emotional and inspiring true story to the stage and let it sing.”
Writer Beresford added: “It was an incredible experience to bring the true story of Pride to the screen, and it’s equally thrilling to now bring it to the stage. The soaring, epic nature of this story seemed tailor-made for musical theatre – and to collaborate with Josh and DJ, and reunite with Matthew and Chris has been nothing short of a joy. I can’t wait for audiences to see it.”
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.
Looking forward to the musical lighting up the Dorfman stage, National Theatre director Indhu Rubasingham said: “When I heard that Matthew and Stephen were adapting their beloved film Pride as a stage musical, I knew instantly that I wanted it to be here at the National Theatre. The Dorfman is an intimate, flexible theatre renowned for new writing and for challenging expectations. The world premiere of Pride will push the limits of what is possible in this space, both joyful and disrupting, I can’t wait for audiences to experience its power.”
The 2014 Pathé film Pride starred Bill Nighy, Imelda Staunton, Andrew Scott, Paddy Considine and Dominic West.
Angela Thomas
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