The complete cast for PRIDE the Musical has been revealed ahead of its London opening at the Bridge Theatre on 12 November 2026. Based on the much-loved film and a remarkable true story, this joyful new production brings the miners’ strike, LGSM and an unexpectedly powerful friendship to the stage.

Essential Takeaways

  • London opening: PRIDE the Musical begins at the Bridge Theatre on 12 November 2026.
  • New and returning talent: Ryan Kopel joins as Mark, while Dan Hand returns as Bromley.
  • True-story setting: The show follows Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners during the 1984 miners’ strike.
  • Big musical sound: The score blends protest songs, pop, rock, disco and Welsh choral influences.
  • Planning details: Performances run until 8 May 2027, with a running time of 2 hours 40 minutes including the interval.

PRIDE moves from film favourite to stage spectacle

The strongest thing about PRIDE has always been its warmth. Set against the bruising backdrop of the 1984 miners’ strike, the story finds room for laughter, unlikely friendships and the kind of solidarity that feels both moving and slightly mischievous.

Now, PRIDE the Musical is bringing that mix to the Bridge Theatre. The production follows sold-out seasons at Cardiff’s Sherman Theatre and London’s National Theatre, suggesting that audiences are more than ready to revisit this story with live music and a larger theatrical pulse. Whatsonstage reported that the complete Bridge Theatre company includes both returning performers and new additions. [2], [3]

The show is based on the 2014 film, which was written and directed by Matthew Warchus. Warchus has also developed and directed the musical, with Stephen Beresford returning to provide the book and lyrics. That continuity should help the stage version retain the film’s distinctive balance of political purpose and cheeky humour. [4], [5]

Meet the full Bridge Theatre cast

The new production is led by Samuel Barnett as Jonathan and Ryan Kopel as Mark, the founder of Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners. Matthew Durkan plays Mike, while Gillian Elisa takes the role of Gwen and Daniel Forrester appears as Carl.

The company also includes Dan Hand as Bromley, Robin Hayward as Martin, Chris Jenkins as Gethin, Darren Lawrence as Cliff and Kirsty Malpass as Hefina. Madeleine Morgan plays Debbie, with Catherine Morris and Grant Neal as Mrs Bromley and Mr Bromley.

Rounding out the principal cast are Sarah Pugh as Siân, Caroline Sheen as Maureen, Carl Spencer as Reggie, Courtney Stapleton as Steph, Mared Williams as Margaret and Matthew Woodyatt as Dai. London Theatre Direct and BroadwayWorld both highlighted the breadth of the newly announced company. [4], [5]

The ensemble is completed by swings Joe Boyle, Billy Cullum, Ben Heathcote, Michael Larcombe, Sorelle Marsh, Shannon Quarini and Samantha Thomas. Michael Larcombe also serves as assistant dance captain, while Samantha Thomas is dance captain, useful clues that this production is likely to have plenty of movement under its emotional storytelling. [2], [3]

Original film stars welcome the new company

Andrew Scott, Jessica Gunning, Imelda Staunton, Bill Nighy and Dominic West, all stars of the 2014 film, appear in a new clip discussing the journey from screen to stage. Their involvement gives the announcement a pleasing sense of handover, as the original performers welcome the actors taking the story into its next chapter.

That connection matters because PRIDE is cherished not simply for its plot, but for its ensemble spirit. The story depends on two very different communities gradually finding common ground, so the chemistry between the actors will be just as important as the songs or scenery.

The film cast’s appearance also offers a gentle reminder that successful screen stories don't always need to be copied on stage. Instead, the musical can keep the heart of the original while opening the story out through live performance, chorus work and a bigger emotional soundtrack. [5]

Expect protest anthems, pop and Welsh choral colour

The original score comes from Christopher Nightingale, Josh Cohen and DJ Walde. Its influences range from protest anthems and pop to rock, disco and Welsh choral music, a combination that sounds deliberately broad rather than neatly nostalgic.

That musical mix suits the story. The London activists at the centre of LGSM bring a lively, club-inflected energy, while the Welsh setting offers a very different vocal tradition. Put those sounds together and the production has plenty of scope to move from a bright, noisy celebration to something more communal and quietly stirring.

Behind the scenes, Bunny Christie designs the set and costumes, with Lizzi Gee choreographing. Hugh Vanstone handles lighting, Bobby Aitken designs sound, and Tom Kelly is music supervisor. The creative team suggests a production built to feel expansive, while still keeping the human relationships close at hand. [3], [4]

Planning a visit to PRIDE the Musical

PRIDE opens at the Bridge Theatre on 12 November 2026 and is currently scheduled to run until 8 May 2027. The running time is 2 hours 40 minutes including an interval, and the age guidance is 12 and over.

For first-time visitors, it’s worth allowing extra time around the performance, particularly if you're travelling into central London or hoping to eat nearby. Booking early may also be sensible, given the production’s previous sell-out seasons and the attention generated by its high-profile film connection.

The Bridge Theatre booking information provides the current performance and ticket details, so check the official listings before travelling. A musical about solidarity feels especially well suited to a shared night out, whether you're a longtime PRIDE fan or discovering the story for the first time. [6], [7]

It's a bright, big-hearted return for a story that still knows how to bring people together.

Source Reference Map

Story idea inspired by: [1]

Sources by paragraph: