A heartfelt, well staged musical that celebrates community, resilience and the power of acceptance
⭐⭐⭐⭐
What's it about?
Based on the remarkable true story and the acclaimed 2014 film, PRIDE follows a group of gay and lesbian activists who, during the 1984 UK miners' strike, decide to support a struggling Welsh mining community. What begins with suspicion gradually develops into an unlikely friendship, creating an inspiring story of solidarity.
What we loved best
Whenever Matthew Warchus and Lizzi Gee collaborate, our expectations are high. Warchus, who also directed the original film, and Gee bring their trademark precision, warmth and extraordinary attention to detail to every aspect of the production.
The cast is excellent throughout. The story effectively centres around two very different communities — the London gay and lesbian activists and the Welsh mining families — and the ensemble succeeds in making both groups feel authentic, distinct and deeply human. As barriers gradually break down, the growing affection between the two communities becomes increasingly moving.
A few standout performances are Lewis Cornay as Bromley, Gillian Elisa as Gwen and Darren Lawrence as Cliff.
The set design embraces simplicity, using a predominantly black-box set framed by scaffolding that adds height. The band is positioned visibly above the stage, reinforcing the production's communal feel.
Some of the production's strongest moments are its quietest. The scenes between parents and sons as families confront unexpected truths are handled with genuine tenderness, while the tribute to those lost during the AIDS crisis provides one of the evening's most emotional sequences.
Musically, the score is consistently strong. The songs are thoughtfully written, balancing humour, energy and reflection, while several of the ballads prove genuinely affecting and help deepen the emotional impact of the story.
Anything we didn't love?
The second act is stronger benefiting from the emotional connections already developed in act one. And given our high expectations of dream team Warchus and Gee, the production didn't quite rise to the heights we were hoping.
Who would enjoy this?
Fans of the original film and those who enjoy new musicals. It's an engaging musical for anyone who enjoys true stories with heart, humour and social relevance.
Verdict
PRIDE is an accomplished adaptation that captures the warmth and humanity of the much-loved film. With an outstanding ensemble, moving performances and several genuinely touching moments, this is a celebration of compassion, acceptance and the extraordinary things that can happen when communities choose to stand together.