In my ever-so-humble opinion the 2014 comedy-drama, Pride, is one of the best British films ever made. It’s based on the (almost unbelievably) true story of a small group of London activists calling themselves ‘Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners’ who, in the darkening AIDS days of 1984, raised thousands to help the families of striking Welsh miners in their hour of need. As I wrote in Pits and Perverts…

“Cue the considerable talents of some seasoned pros (Imelda Staunton*, Bill Nighy, Dominic West) who know how to deliver a line or two and some gifted fresh faces to inject a dash of youthful angst and exuberance. The clash of cultures is pure magic. Moving without being sugary, political without being preachy, candid without being gratuitous and clever without being patronising.”

So it was with considerable nervous expectation that we took our Dorfman Theatre seats at the National on London’s arty-farty South Bank to see Pride, the Musical. Would it be as good as the film?

You betcha, and then some. Sheer brilliance and delight, with all the best lines from the film, all tied up with a bleedin’ big bow, and a finale that didn’t leave a dry eye in the house.

* We spotted the multi-talented top-of-the-bill Imelda Staunton in the bar with hubby and fellow thesp, Jim Carter. Imelda knows all about top-drawer shows. She’s been in a few herself.