Pride musical’s world premiere – first look at rehearsals

Rehearsal photos have been released for the new musical version of Pride.

Based on the 2014 film of the same name, it is being presented by P&P Productions with the National Theatre. It will have dates in both London and at Cardiff’s Sherman Theatre, beginning first at the latter from 31 March to 18 April 2026. It will then run in London at the National’s Dorfman Theatre from 11 June to 12 September 2026.

The show reunites director Matthew Warchus (who also directed the original film) and writer Stephen Beresford, who return to the true story that inspired the original screenplay.

Set during the miners’ strike of 1984, the musical follows Mark, a young man who joins a group of lesbian and gay activists who lend their support to the striking mining communities. The production’s development has been well-documented for a number of years.

Set to star are 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 are joined by an ensemble that includes Daniel Forrester, Madeleine Morgan, Catherine Morris and Graham Vick.

Pride has a book and lyrics by Beresford, music by Christopher Nightingale, Josh Cohen and DJ Walde, and is developed and directed by Warchus.

The artistic team is completed by 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.