Shout it from the rooftops: London theatre has a new feel-good, heart-wrenching hit. Audiences are flocking to the Dorfman to see Pride, the musical adaptation of the 2014 film, where disco, solidarity and fierce performances remind us why theatre can still change hearts. It’s funny, moving and utterly alive.
Essential Takeaways
- Big emotions: Expect laughter, tears and a standing ovation; the show mixes riotous comedy with raw, emotional ballads.
- Standout performances: Courtney Stapleton and Samuel Barnett receive particular praise for depth, comedy and show-stopping numbers.
- Historic heart: The story centres on Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners during the 1984 strike, blending protest chants with intimate moments.
- Theatrical craft: Direction, choreography and a disco-infused climax give the musical a joyous, kinetic feel.
- Practical note: Playing in the Dorfman at the National Theatre through September , book early for popular performances.
A joyful, fierce opening hook , you’ll leave smiling and damp-eyed
From the first bars you’re caught up in a bright, noisy Pride march that smells of confetti and cheap perfume, and you know you’re in for a ride. Critics and early audiences agree , the show lands laughs and emotional punches with equal force. According to theatre coverage, this adaptation keeps the film’s warm spirit while amplifying the music and dance to theatrical scale.
The creative team lean into spectacle without losing the human stories at the centre. That mix , big production values married to small, lived-in moments , is why people are calling this a proper crowd-pleaser and a contemporary queer landmark.
How a 2014 film became a stage sensation
The musical takes the true story of Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners and stretches it out into ensemble moments that feel both intimate and communal. Backstory from previews and rehearsal reports shows the production has been carefully developed, with attention to period detail and character arcs.
Producers and creatives have kept the film’s core: unexpected friendships formed under political pressure. But the stage version adds new textures , tap numbers, disco sequences and choral protest songs , that turn history into something you can dance to.
Performances that sparkle , and scenes that cut deep
Actors singled out in reviews include a powerhouse Steph, whose comic timing and later emotional vulnerability carry much of the show’s heart. Elsewhere, an elder, flamboyant character delivers a divine tap routine that’s been getting people talking for days.
There’s also a scene that honours lives lost in the AIDS crisis; it’s staged simply and lands like a physical blow , audiences leave moved. If you want theatre that can make you laugh, think and cry in the same hour, this is it.
Why the production matters now , politics, solidarity and joy
The piece isn’t just nostalgia. By placing queer activism alongside miners’ struggles, the musical reminds us that solidarity is practical and radical. Commentators note the timely resonance: in an era of continuing social fights, the story models coalition-building with humour and humanity.
For modern audiences, that translates into catharsis and a kind of political pick-me-up. The show suggests that joy and protest aren’t opposites but partners , and that feeling buoyed by community is itself a form of resistance.
Practical tips for seeing Pride at the National Theatre
Book ahead , runs through September and seats are filling fast around weekend and evening slots. If you want the full sensory experience, try for an aisle seat to enjoy the visual choreography up close. Prepare tissues, comfortable shoes for post-show disco urges, and a readiness to hum the tunes on the Tube home.
If you loved the film, go in with an open heart: the musical honours familiar beats while offering a few delightful surprises that reward both fans and newcomers.
It's a small change that can make every visit to the theatre feel a little more electric.
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