Joyous 'Pride' Musical Moves to Bridge Theatre for Expanded Audience Experience

The vibrant musical 'Pride,' inspired by the real-life story of Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners (LGSM), is set to make its London debut at the Bridge Theatre on November 12. This venue, with a capacity of 900, will be the inaugural production under Trafalgar Entertainment’s new management, following successful runs at Cardiff’s Sherman Theatre and the National Theatre’s Dorfman space.

Directed by Matthew Warchus, known for 'Matilda the Musical,' and with a script by Stephen Beresford, who also penned the acclaimed 2014 film, 'Pride' tells the tale of 24-year-old activist Mark Ashton. The narrative unfolds during the tumultuous 1984 U.K. miners’ strike, showcasing how Ashton unites LGSM with a striking mining community in South Wales.

The musical is characterized by an eclectic score incorporating elements from protest anthems to pop and disco, alongside traditional Welsh choral music, crafted by Christopher Nightingale, Josh Cohen, and DJ Walde. The cast features notable actors including Samuel Barnett as Jonathan and Matthew Durkan as Mike, with additional casting details yet to be revealed.

In a recent conversation with Variety, Warchus expressed excitement about the move to a larger venue. He believes that a bigger audience will enhance the comedic aspects of the show, stating, “The difference between 800 people laughing and 400 people laughing is more than double.” He anticipates that the sound design, which includes ambient sounds from Wales and the rousing chants from the miners, will be amplified in the new setting.

Despite the transition to a grander stage, Warchus reassured fans that the production's core remains unchanged. “It’s still going to be a story that’s got a handmade feel to it,” he emphasized, highlighting the simplicity of the props and the absence of elaborate staging techniques.

Reflecting on the film’s global reception, Beresford noted that audiences often responded with applause at screenings as if they were attending a live performance. This communal experience is something both he and Warchus hope to recreate in the theatre.

Addressing the question of the musical’s relevance in today's context, Beresford cited a review that resonated with him: “Prejudice cannot survive proximity.” He believes the story's message about solidarity and support for marginalized communities continues to strike a chord in today's society.

The journey of bringing 'Pride' to the stage has been long and laborious, with Beresford sharing that it took him two decades to get the film made. Their cautious approach to adapting it into a musical stemmed from a desire to preserve the story's integrity. Warchus acknowledged Beresford's writing as pivotal to the project, stating, “I wouldn’t have known the story if Stephen hadn’t written it up.”

The pair also discussed balancing the somber themes of the AIDS crisis and the miners' struggle with the show's inherent humor. Beresford remarked on the power of humor during tough times, recalling a conversation with Anne Scargill, who praised their film for its comedic approach to serious issues.

In a departure from the film's nostalgic soundtrack, Warchus chose to commission an original score for the musical, believing that existing songs often disrupt narrative flow. The production features a set designed to evoke the spirit of touring shows from the 1980s, with a focus on intimacy despite the larger venue.

While the adaptation has faced criticism for not fully representing the contributions of LGSM’s lesbian members, Beresford explained that composite characters were necessary for stage efficiency. He noted the inclusion of an all-female band, stating, “They represent the lesbians.”

As 'Pride' prepares for its new chapter at the Bridge Theatre, it promises to deliver a powerful mix of laughter, music, and poignant storytelling, inviting audiences to engage with its heartwarming message of solidarity.

Source: variety.com