Synopsis

London, 1958 and 2008. A living room, a doctor’s office, and a park bench become stages of love, identity, and societal expectations

Philip finds himself at the centre of a complex web of relationships spanning two eras in The Pride. In 1958, he grapples with his homosexuality, torn between his marriage to Sylvia and his passionate affair with Oliver. Sylvia, perceptive and empathetic, senses the truth of her husband’s nature. In 2008, we meet their modern counterparts: Oliver, struggling with commitment and anonymous encounters, Philip, cautiously re-entering Oliver’s orbit, and Sylvia, a steadfast friend to both men. As the characters navigate their relationships in both eras, they confront the societal pressures, personal fears, and the possibility of living authentically.

Alexi Kaye Campbell’s play is a poignant exploration of how attitudes towards homosexuality have evolved over five decades. Through its parallel narratives, The Pride delves into themes of identity, self-acceptance, and the courage required to live truthfully. Campbell’s writing is both witty and deeply moving, capturing the pain of repression and the joy of liberation with equal clarity.