Pride
08 July 2026
National Theatre
5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Pride, running at the National Theatre until 12 September, is nearly sold out, but you can still get the occasional returned ticket if you’re lucky!
While the 1984 miner’s strike and the new Aids crisis are throwing the country into turmoil, young activist Mark Ashton believes that marginalised communities need to support each other. He founds Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners, a small troupe collecting donations for pit communities. But in a time when prejudice and intolerance were underpinned by restrictive laws, their support was not welcomed with open arms.
The musical is based on the 2014 film, which in turn is based on true events. The inspiring story of grit, ingenuity, and solidarity is long overdue a stage show, and this one is a perfect adaptation! From the effective but simple set, over the cheeky humour strewn throughout, to the energetic soundtrack, it’s a throwback to the 80s as much as a beautifully told story of resistance and togetherness.
Each character gets their moment, exploring the colourful cast of individuals within a story of communities coming together. It’s extremely well balanced and intensely emotional. Both the pit community in rural Wales, and the LGBT activists in London are explored, their motivations and differences evaluated and their humanity put into the centre of the narrative. It’s a gorgeously balanced musical that manages to treat opposing world views with dignity and respect.
With a soundtrack made up of pop, rock, disco, and protest anthems, it’s a nostalgic and inspiring triumph, a call to action and a tale of overcoming adversity wrapped in one. Pride is a gorgeous musical!
