Pride the Musical: The Beloved 2014 Film Heads to the National Theatre

Do you remember the charming, touching and funny 2014 film Pride? It was based on the true story of the unlikely coming together of two groups, during the miners’ strike in the UK, over 1984-85.  On one hand, you had the miners, Welsh (although the strike was across the whole of the UK), small town and a little insular. On the other hand, a group called Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners (LGSM) who were from London - the big smoke - formed to support the long-lasting strike and oppose the then government in its policy of pit closures.

You might watch the video below and think “I can’t remember that song in the film” – even though this new stage cast belt it out wonderfully.  You would be right – the song You Stood By Me was written for a new stage production of this much-loved story.

Well now, cariadau – they’ve only gone and done that thing that people seem very fond of doing these days. They’ve turned it into amusical.  To be fair, I can’t think of a movie that would lend itself better to the full musical treatment.  For a start, much of it is set in Wales, and that’s the land of song – so far, so obvious!  Oh and also, half the characters in it are gay (is that too stereotypical? I’m afraid you will have to live with it).  When you think about it, this was the ultimate destiny for the story…

(No, this isn't the official poster; it's just a little fun I had to help illustrate this post to try and capture the 1980s colour tones!).

At the heart of Pride is the idea that people who seem completely different can discover common ground through solidarity, empathy and shared struggle. No one is portrayed as perfect by any means – both groups have fears, stereotypes (them again) and prejudices.  Yet those barriers gradually break down as people recognize their shared humanity.  It shows us that solidarity between ordinary people (even vastly different ordinary people) can be stronger than division.

So, here’s a preview of one of the songs from the new musical, which is due to open on 11 June at the National Theatre in London.  Tickets are already pretty much sold out till July already – which says a lot about how anticipated this new musical is.   Have a watch and a listen – this is great (even with the slightly annoying but mercifully short voice overs).

If you would like a to learn a little more about this project, below you will find Pride writer Stephen Beresford chatting with Welsh Mining Community Members Dai Donovan and Siân James, as well as original LGSM Member, Jonathan Blake, all whose remarkable story inspired the hit-film turned new musical.