In a powerful meeting of theatre, history and community, the new musical PRIDE is preparing for its world premiere in South Wales. Presented by P&P Productions in collaboration with the National Theatre, the show will open with preview performances at the Sherman Theatre from 31st March to 18th April before transferring to the National Theatre’s Dorfman stage in London for a summer run from June to September.
Based on the beloved 2014 film Pride, the musical revisits one of the most remarkable and uplifting stories to emerge from modern British social history. Set during the bitter miners’ strike of 1984, it tells the true story of how a group of London-based gay and lesbian activists formed Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners (LGSM) and forged an unlikely alliance with a small mining village in South Wales.
At a time when both communities faced prejudice and political hostility, their partnership became a symbol of solidarity and shared struggle. That message resonates deeply in South Wales, where the legacy of the mining industry still shapes local identity and collective memory. Bringing Pride to Cardiff for its premiere is therefore more than a theatrical gesture, it’s a return of the story to the community that inspired it.
From Screen to Stage
The original film, written by Stephen Beresford and directed by Matthew Warchus, was widely celebrated for its warmth, humour and emotional honesty. Now, the same creative partnership reunites to bring the story to the stage in musical form. Beresford provides the book and lyrics, with music by Christopher Nightingale, Josh Cohen and DJ Walde, blending protest anthems, pop, rock and echoes of the Welsh choral tradition into a vibrant theatrical score.
The musical charts the moment when young activist Mark Ashton rallies friends to support striking miners, eventually linking up with families in a Welsh pit village. Suspicion and cultural differences initially divide them, but through humour, empathy and determination the two groups discover a shared humanity and a powerful collective voice.
A Strong Ensemble Cast
The production features a talented ensemble, including Samuel Barnett, Lewis Cornay, Kirsty Malpass, Caroline Sheen and Mared Williams. Among them is Welsh performer MATTHEW WOODYATT, who plays Dai, a miner representing the Welsh community at the heart of the story.
For Matthew, the role carries particular significance. Having grown up in South Wales, he understands the cultural heritage and emotional weight of the mining communities portrayed on stage. In our interview, he spoke enthusiastically about rehearsals, which are currently underway, describing the atmosphere in the rehearsal room as both energetic and deeply collaborative. With a story that mixes humour, activism and music, he says the company is working hard to capture the heart and spirit of the real people whose lives inspired it.
Many theatre-goers in Wales will already know Matthew from last year’s acclaimed production of Fiddler on the Roof at the New Theatre, which enjoyed a completely sold-out run. His performance there earned him praise from audiences and critics alike, and his return to Cardiff in such a significant new musical feels like a homecoming of sorts.
We spoke to Matthew recently about Pride and the rehearsal process. We also touched on the real-life story and the character he’s playing. First however, we had to look back on the incredible success of Fiddler on the Roof……
More than four decades after the events it depicts, Pride remains strikingly relevant. Its story of communities overcoming prejudice and standing together in times of hardship speaks to both the past and the present.
For South Wales audiences especially, seeing this story unfold on stage, close to where much of it truly happened, promises to be both moving and celebratory. When Pride raises its curtain in Cardiff this month, it won’t simply be launching a new musical. It will be honouring a shared history of courage, compassion and solidarity.
PRIDE gets to the Sherman Theatre in Cardiff for its preview run from 31st March through to 18th April. For many of us here this is going to be a show not to be missed. For details and tickets go HERE.
