Next to Normal at Wyndham’s Theatre

15 years ago, Next to Normal made waves on Broadway, picking up the Pulitzer along the way. At that time, it was only the eighth musical to have ever been awarded the prestigious prize. Despite three Tony Award wins on top of this, it took until 2023 for the rock musical to arrive on our shores. Playing a sold-out run at the Donmar under the direction of Michael Longhurst, it now takes residence at the Wyndham’s Theatre with the same cast.

Diana has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. The question is, how best to treat it? As we witness her highs and lows and the impact her condition is having on her loved ones, we also come to learn of the trauma that triggered her illness.

As musicals go, Next to Normal is one of the more intimate, which is why it was such a good fit for the Donmar Warehouse. Transplanting it onto a more expansive stage cranks everything up to 11. Crucially, though, none of the nuance or subtleties of each character are lost.

The family home is where most of the action takes place. This grounds the play in naturalism, which only accentuates the moments when Diana loses her grip on reality. Having the kitchen island rotate as the actors climb on and around it is a simple yet effective means of depicting this. Rather than large set pieces, Longhurst relies on the talents of his cast to create the imagery.

Caissie Levy proves she is a master of her craft as Diana. Aside from her powerhouse vocals, particularly on I Miss the Mountains, Levy leads us through her character’s contrasting behaviours compellingly. Often amusing, she also unveils raw vulnerability as she pendulums between actuality and fantasy. A remarkable turn.

While the story centres on Diana, the other characters are given engaging stories of their own. Jamie Parker as husband Dan beautifully transitions from being a man so in love with his wife yet so confused, frustrated and lost as to how he can help her. He is reaching breaking point himself under the weight of it all. The actor effortlessly exhibits the multitude of emotions he is experiencing, often in a suitably understated way.

As daughter Natalie, Eleanor Worthington-Cox captures pent-up angst over her feelings of abandonment by her mother. Their duet Maybe (Next to Normal) is one of many standouts. Worthington-Cox also enjoys believable chemistry with love interest Henry, played endearingly by Jack Ofrecio. As son Gabe, Jack Wolfe stuns with stellar vocals. I’m Alive allows him to show off this talent, however he is consistent throughout, displaying detailed characterisation. With such a strong stage presence, Wolfe is one to watch out for. Trevor Dion Nicholas completes the cast portraying two of Diana’s doctors. His “rock star” moment ushers in the laughs, and despite his limited stage time, he injects fresh energy into each of his scenes.

Brian Yorkey’s book and lyrics are emotive, relatable and, at times, laughter-inducing. The writer created the hit teen drama Thirteen Reasons Why, which also examined mental illness and specifically its effect on those around the person with the condition. His ability to find humour in the bleakest of subject matter shines here. It is facilitated by Tom Kitt’s music, here performed by a fine band, visible throughout as they play above the stage.

The subject matter is of course not for everyone, and some are sure to be triggered, but with one in four of us experiencing some form of mental health problem every year, it is only right that such a production is afforded a platform of this scale. Some might long for a little more subtext and others might suggest the musical is a tad too long. Act One feels tighter whereas Act Two at times lingers. The climax makes up for this with Light. The closing number is optimistic while refusing to shy away from the darkness; it encapsulates this timely and unique musical. 

Jonathan Marshall
Image: Marc Brenner

Next to Normal is at Wyndham’s Theatre from 18^th June until 21^st September 2024. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.

Watch the trailer for Next to Normal here: