Pride

THEATRE REVIEW: Pride the musical starring Samuel Barnett at the Bridge Theatre

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

By Neil Durham

WORTH A LOOK?: *****

WHEN?: Friday 13 November, opens 23 November and runs through 8 May 2027 RUNTIME: 160 minutes (including 20-minute interval)

This re-imagining of the 2014 Imelda Staunton-starring film was the hit of the summer alongside Redcliffe and transfers to the 900-seater Bridge from the intimate Dorfman at the National Theatre.

  • Read on for reasons including why this is the early favourite to win next year’s Olivier for Best Musical
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AWARDS SHORTLIST: MONSTAS: Best Musical of 2026

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

It’s been quite the year, it’s almost Christmas and what would the festive season be without some recognition of the best of 2026? Over the next 2 months we’ll shortlist five nominees in each of 17 categories for our Oscars, or monstas if you will, of 2026.

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THEATRE REVIEW: Pride starring Samuel Barnett at the National Theatre

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

By Neil Durham

WORTH A LOOK?: *****

WHEN? Saturday 13 June, opens 25 June and runs through 12 September 2026 RUNTIME: 160 minutes (with a 20-minute interval) Update: Transfers to the Bridge Theatre 12 November 2026 Tickets

The audience rises as 1 at the curtain to give this musical re-imagining of the beloved 2014 film about lesbian and gay support for the miners during their 80s industrial action the adulation it deserves.

  • Read on for reasons including how this is giving Redcliffe a run for its money as the best new musical of the year so far
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PREVIEW: 9 reasons why we can’t wait for June 2026 starring Pride

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

  1. Pride at the National Theatre

Writer and director Stephen Beresford and Matthew Warchus (Oedipus, Old Vic) return from the 2014 film for the musical of a group of gay men and lesbians supporting the striking miners in the 80s. Stars Samuel Barnett (Feeling Afraid As If Something Terrible Is About To Happen, Bush Theatre) at the National’s Dorfman Theatre 11 June through 12 September 2026. Original music by DJ Walde (SYLVIA, Old Vic). Tickets Our review

  • Read on for reasons including Russell Tovey in Guilty, Midsummer Night’s Dream and Glengarry Glen Ross
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OPENING NIGHT THEATRE REVIEW/Q&A: Three Kings starring Andrew Scott at the Old Vic

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

WORTH A LOOK?: ***1/2

WHERE? Old Vic RUNTIME: 60 minutes (no interval)

WHEN? 3/9, closes 5/9

This monologue was written for Scott by author Stephen Beresford and marks a return to working with director Matthew Warchus for the first time we think since the trio combined to devastating effect on quite possibly our favourite ever film, 2014’s comedy and emotional masterpiece Pride (watch clip below)

  • Read on for reasons including gems friend Dermot O’Leary teased out of Scott in the Q&A

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SONG OF THE WEEK: My Freedom by Magnus Carlsson (week beginning 14/6/20)

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

WORTH A LISTEN?: ****

OUT: now

Former Alcazar frontman Carlsson references two of his biggest Melodifestivalen hits in this positive, high-energy tale of coming out and finding happiness which is, appropriately, this year’s Stockholm Pride anthem.

  • Read on for reasons including a chance to listen to My Freedom and hear which former hits he namechecks

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THEATRE REVIEW: The Caretaker starring Timothy Spall, Daniel Mays & George MacKay

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

WORTH A LOOK?: *****

WHERE: Old Vic

WHEN: 2/4, runs to 14/5

It’s 19 years since star Timothy Spall last acted on stage and just over one since his tremendous grumbling titular turn in Mike Leigh’s biopic Mr Turner inexplicably failed to earn him a best actor Oscar nomination.

  • Read on for reasons why this is director Matthew Warchus’ first five-star Old Vic triumph

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