Next to Normal at Wyndham's Theatre Review
The fully sold out, smash hit production transfers to the West End
If one could experience irresistible thrill and desperate heartbreak in a musical all at the same time, this possibly is too good to be true - but what Next to Normal does with the seemingly wild juxtaposition of ideas, results in one of the best theatre nights out currently in the West End.
Starting life as just a 10-minute workshop in a collaboration between Brian Yorkey (Book & Lyrics) and Tom Kitt (Music) back in 1998, the show has enjoyed numerous Broadway and North American runs, as well as the recent completely sold out production at the Donmar Warehouse, with the full cast from this London premiere transferring with the production to the Wyndham's Theatre.
Family is the soul of this story; with just five cast members, the show does wonders nonetheless with realistically depicting a family on the verge of tumbling down through the central lens of Diana Goodman (Caissie Levy), a mother struggling with chronic bipolar disorder. Surrounding her are her husband Dan (Jamie Parker); children Gabe (Jack Wolfe) and Natalie (Eleanor Worthington-Cox), all introduced in a fast-moving opening number.
Over the course of two acts, the effects of Diana's illness is unflinchingly highlighted through different character perspectives, from Natalie's love life with her boyfriend Henry (Jack Ofrecio) being profoundly impacted (and cleverly paralleled) by her irrational mother, to the visions Diana sees herself, a main motif particularly involving the mysterious figure that is Gabe; these perspectives are sewn into heart-wrenching songs, an exuberant blend of genres - head-bopping rock at one moment and soaring country in another, all played live by an onstage band musically directed by Nick Barstow.
It is impossible not to be emotionally affected by the performances, all too strong to be described in words - Levy commands the stage with ease, with her healing yet strong belts in the likes of ‘I Miss the Mountains’ easily one of the most memorable aspects of the evening; Worthington-Cox and Ofrecio complements each other with a beautiful contrast of endearment and innocence, while Parker's desperate portrayal of Dan makes Diana's story even more sympathy-invoking; but the standout performance amongst an already impeccable cast is Wolfe in the role of Gabe, a personality that demands attention the moment he appears on stage, embodying the show's central juxtaposition of ‘gentle wreckage'.
What elevates the heart-wrenching performances even further, is the forces that shape and drive these characters in their motives, all handled with great care under Michael Longhurst's direction. Chloe Lamford's versatile set incorporating a central revolve - together with Lee Curran and Tal Rosner's punchy lighting and video designs - metaphorises the faint line between hallucination and reality.
At the heart of the story are discussions surrounding mental health and human connection, a painstaking investigation into what is defined as ‘normal’ in today's terms - one that combines heavy subjects with scene-stealing songs; one that will provoke thoughts as well as tears; and one that is more relevant to our time than ever.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Next to Normal is playing at the Wyndham's Theatre until 21 September. For more information and to book tickets, visit the show website.
Tickets & Accessibility
🎟️ Tickets were kindly gifted by the press representatives for the show. All views are my own, without any input or approval from the venue or producers. Standard tickets are available from £20, with £25 Rush tickets available daily via the TodayTix app.
♾️ Flashing and flickering lights, both from moving fixtures and lined LED strips on the set are featured during some songs, some of which point out into the audience at brief moments. There are a few loud songs but the audio mix were generally at a comfortable level. Balloons are released onto the stage towards the end of the show - these are not actively popped but may spill into the front rows of the stalls.