New Stage Musical Pride Brings 1980s LGBTQ-Mining Solidarity to the National Theatre

From the coal‑mines of South Wales to the footlights of London, the new musical adaptation of the 2014 film Pride is set to open at the National Theatre and Cardiff’s Sherman Theatre. The production translates the story of Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners (LGSM) into a stage experience that blends history, music, and community‑building.

Written and staged by Stephen Beresford and Matthew Warchus, the show follows the true story of Mark Ashton and a group of activists who founded LGSM in July 1984. Their goal was simple yet bold: raise money for families in the South Wales village of Onllwyn, whose miners were caught in the national 1984–85 coal strike. The group organized fund‑raising events, collected donations, and helped keep the community afloat during a period of economic hardship and social stigma.

The original 2014 film was a historical comedy‑drama that highlighted the partnership between the activists and the miners. It starred Imelda Staunton, Bill Nighy, Dominic West and Ben Schnetzer, and was praised for its blend of humour and poignancy. The film’s success sparked interest in a stage adaptation that would preserve the story’s emotional core while expanding it with new music and choreography.

The musical adds original songs and a more elaborate set to the film’s narrative. Designed by Bunny Christie, the stage uses a scaffold‑like structure that echoes the makeshift platforms where protest speeches were delivered during the strike. Five narrators—representing key figures from the original story—address the audience directly, creating a sense of immediacy. The score blends Welsh choral pieces, ballads, disco numbers and satirical chants, reflecting the diverse musical landscape of the 1980s.

A central moment in the show is a solo performed by Jonathan, a character based on the film’s actor Samuel Barnett. The piece, titled “You Might As Well Live,” confronts the HIV crisis that was ravaging the LGBTQ community at the time. Other songs, such as “Mum 1” and “I’m Into Guys,” explore themes of coming out, family rejection and the search for acceptance.

The production’s focus on solidarity and mutual support resonates with contemporary audiences. The story demonstrates how marginalized groups can unite across class lines to challenge a hostile political environment. In an era when LGBTQ rights face renewed scrutiny, the musical offers a historical reminder of the power of collective action.

The National Theatre run will begin in late September, with a limited engagement that will run through October. The Sherman Theatre in Cardiff will host the show in early November, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of LGSM’s first fundraising event. Both productions feature a cast of actors and singers who have worked on the original film and on other stage projects.

The musical is produced by P&P Productions, which also produced the film. The company has stated that the stage version will be accessible to a wide audience, with surtitles and an emphasis on community outreach. The production team has worked closely with historians and former LGSM members to ensure the story’s accuracy.

The current status of the musical is that it has secured its venues and a cast, and rehearsals are underway. Tickets for the National Theatre run are available through the theatre’s box office and official website. The Sherman Theatre run will open in November, with tickets also available online.

The adaptation of Pride to the stage underscores the lasting impact of the 1984–85 miners strike on British social history and the enduring relevance of LGBTQ solidarity movements.