Director Matthew Warchus calls it ‘one of the greatest joys’ as the hit 2014 film chronicling the Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners alliance is adapted for the stage.
The inspiring true story of the Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners (LGSM) group is set to become a major new musical, as the National Theatre today announced the world premiere of Pride. In a significant hook for film and theatre fans, the production reunites the original film’s celebrated creators, director Matthew Warchus (Matilda The Musical) and writer Stephen Beresford.
The show will run at the National’s Dorfman Theatre from 11 June to 12 September 2026, following a preview run in its spiritual home of Wales at the Sherman Theatre, Cardiff, from 31 March to 18 April 2026. Tickets go on general sale on Friday, 14 November 2025, at 10 am.
‘A Joy to Reunite’: Film’s Original Team Returns
The core of the announcement is the reunion of the team that made the 2014 BAFTA-winning film a global hit. Matthew Warchus, who directed the film, develops and directs the new musical.
“It was one of the greatest joys and privileges of my career to direct the film version of Pride,” Warchus said. “I’m so excited to be working alongside Stephen again… to bring this hugely emotional and inspiring true story to the stage and let it sing.”
Stephen Beresford, who wrote the original screenplay, returns to write the book and lyrics. “The soaring, epic nature of this story seemed tailor-made for musical theatre,” Beresford said, noting his joy at reuniting with Warchus.
“It was one of the greatest joys and privileges of my career to direct the film version of Pride,” Warchus said. “I’m so excited to be working alongside Stephen again… to bring this hugely emotional and inspiring true story to the stage and let it sing.”
From 1984 Strike to a Score of ‘Pop, Disco, and Welsh Choral’
The musical chronicles the remarkable events of the 1984 miners’ strike, where 24-year-old activist Mark Ashton and LGSM forged an unlikely alliance with a small pit village in south Wales. The story charts how two threatened communities joined forces, discovering they had more in common than they ever imagined.
This new adaptation will be driven by an original score from Christopher Nightingale (A Christmas Carol), Josh Cohen (Sylvia), and DJ Walde (Sylvia). The music is described as a “fierce and funny” mix inspired by protest anthems, pop, rock, disco, and the powerful Welsh choral tradition.
A ‘Joyful and Disrupting’ Premiere for the National Theatre
The production will be one of the first major new musicals programmed by new National Theatre Director Indhu Rubasingham. She stated the show was an instant priority for the venue.
“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,” Rubasingham said. “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.”
Director Matthew Warchus calls it ‘one of the greatest joys’ as the hit 2014 film chronicling the Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners alliance is adapted for the stage.
The creative team is a powerhouse of UK theatre, including set and costume designer Bunny Christie and choreographer Lizzi Gee.
Pride Musical: How to Get Tickets
Public Booking: Opens at 10 am on Friday, 14 November 2025.
Cardiff Preview Run: Sherman Theatre, 31 March – 18 April 2026.
London World Premiere Run: National Theatre (Dorfman), 11 June – 12 September 2026.
Press Performance: Thursday, 25 June 2026, at 7 pm.
Booking Information: Full details and booking available via the National Theatre website at www.nationaltheatre.org.uk.
Fans of the beloved 2014 film can look forward to seeing its heart and humour translated to the stage, while musical-theatre audiences can anticipate a major new British production. With its blend of pop, disco, and powerful Welsh choral music, Pride’s journey from screen to stage is set to be a “joyful and disrupting” event in the 2026 theatre calendar.
Leave a Reply