‘Pride’ Musical to Transfer to Bridge Theatre From November; Director Says Bigger Venue Means the ‘Comedy Will Really Benefit From More People Watching’

**"Pride" Musical to Make Its Grand Entrance at London's Bridge Theatre**

The highly acclaimed musical "Pride," a heartwarming and joyful production based on the true story of Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners (LGSM), is set to make its grand entrance at London's Bridge Theatre from November 12. This marks a significant milestone for the production, which has been selling out seasons at Cardiff's Sherman Theatre and the National Theatre's Dorfman space. The Bridge Theatre, a 900-seat venue on the Thames near Tower Bridge, is under new ownership by Trafalgar Entertainment, making this transfer a historic moment for the theatre.

Background & Context

"Pride" is a British musical that tells the true story of LGSM's remarkable alliance with a striking mining community in South Wales during the 1984 U.K. miners' strike. The production reunites the creative team behind the acclaimed 2014 film of the same name: director Matthew Warchus, who is also behind the hit musical "Matilda the Musical," and writer Stephen Beresford, who penned the musical's book and lyrics. The story follows 24-year-old activist Mark Ashton as he rallies LGSM to form an alliance with the striking mining community.

The musical features an original score by Christopher Nightingale, Josh Cohen, and DJ Walde, drawing on protest anthems, pop, rock, disco, and the Welsh choral tradition. The transfer cast includes Samuel Barnett as Jonathan, Matthew Durkan as Mike, Gillian Elisa as Gwen, Chris Jenkins as Gethin, Darren Lawrence as Cliff, Kirsty Malpass as Hefina, Madeleine Morgan, Sarah Pugh as Siân, Caroline Sheen as Maureen, Courtney Stapleton as Steph, and Matthew Woodyatt as Dai, with further casting to be announced.

Key Details

Speaking with Variety ahead of the transfer, Warchus says that he always treats a remount as an opportunity to "get access to it again and make little fiddly improvements and changes." He believes that the opening night of a production is a record, a document of where the team got to in the amount of time they had and with the resources they had. Warchus also acknowledges that the move to a bigger house will change how the production's comedy and sound design land.

"The difference between 800 people laughing and 400 people laughing is more than double," Warchus says. "I think the comedy will really benefit from more people watching." He points to the show's layered sound design, which includes the birds of Wales, chapel bells, the chants of striking miners, and the cheers of the Pits and Perverts benefit concert, as an element he expects to intensify rather than dilute in a larger room.

Warchus adds that the production's essential character, built on simplicity rather than spectacle, will not change with the move. "It's still going to be a story that's got a handmade feel to it," he says. "Very basic props, no glitzy automation or hydraulics or anything like that."

What Experts Say

Warchus's perspective on the impact of a larger venue on the production's comedy and sound design is an interesting one. He believes that the comedy will benefit from more people watching, and that the sound design will intensify rather than dilute in a larger room. This is a testament to the show's ability to adapt and evolve, and a reflection of the team's dedication to creating a high-quality production.

Key Takeaways

• The "Pride" musical is set to make its grand entrance at London's Bridge Theatre from November 12.
• The production has been selling out seasons at Cardiff's Sherman Theatre and the National Theatre's Dorfman space.
• The Bridge Theatre, a 900-seat venue on the Thames near Tower Bridge, is under new ownership by Trafalgar Entertainment.
• Director Matthew Warchus believes that the comedy will benefit from more people watching in a larger venue.

What This Means For You

The transfer of "Pride" to the Bridge Theatre is an exciting development for fans of the musical and the theatre community. It marks a significant milestone for the production, and a testament to the team's dedication to creating a high-quality show. The production's ability to adapt and evolve is a reflection of the team's creativity and commitment to their work.

If you're a fan of the musical or just looking for something new and exciting to experience, be sure to catch "Pride" at the Bridge Theatre from November 12. With its heartwarming story, catchy music, and talented cast, this production is sure to leave you feeling uplifted and inspired.