Director Matthew Warchus has reunited with writer Stephen Beresford for the world premiere of a musical based on their award-winning film Pride next summer.
Based on 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, the musical will play preview performances at the Sherman Theatre in Cardiff (31 March to 18 April 2026) before arriving on the National Theatre’s Dorfman stage from 11 June to 12 September 2026.
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 Stephen 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 commented: “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.”
Pride is presented by P&P Productions with the National Theatre in association with Pathé.
The 2014 Pathé film Pride starred Bill Nighy, Imelda Staunton, Andrew Scott, Paddy Considine and Dominic West.
Angela Thomas
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