Next to Normal - Donmar / Wyndham’s

We do have Diana's here - Rebecca Trehearn would be spectacular, Hannah Waddingham would be great, Louise Dearman is the right sort of fit, having seen Tammy Faye I now think Katie Brayben would make a great Diana - it's not fair to say we don't have people that could do it, but Levy will be great if it is her.

I have probably seen about 9-10 Dianas around the world across 3 different continents, including original and US understudies. As well as new productions. And I’d say the only two that have elevated the material to that kind of ‘greatest performance of all time status’ are Alice Ripley and Marin Mazzie. Everyone else can do a serviceable job but without that X factor in terms of voice, acting and stage presence and the ability to take the role to very dark places where you actually ask yourself if the actor is ok after the role (and apparently Alice Ripley and Marin Mazzie talked about this, and it does take an emotional tole) I would say the material comes across as a little flat. Not bad but just ‘meh’. If it’s Cassie Levy, I trust that the Director has found that person and I would guess the decision was not taken lightly. I was quite impressed with her acting in the Broadway revival of Caroline, or Change - I must admit. And I don’t think it’s an easy role to pull off because it’s so unsympathetic.

I’d also say for those complaining they would like someone British (assuming it doesn’t happen), do remember that Sharon D Clarke transferred the show to BROADWAY, which is an amazing recognition of British talent and shows the director is of course willing to find the best person for the role regardless of nationality. This didn’t go unnoticed by some twitter complainers who thought it was inappropriate to cast Sharon in such an American role. So I think we should place some trust in the Director regardless of outcome.

Ailsa Davidson popped into my head as a potential Natalie.

I guess there is a wide range of talent and of course some of the names mentioned here would audition and take the role if offered especially if their career was primarily focussed on living and breathing musical theatre, but I was thinking of someone who is more like a 'star' mentioned such as Hannah Waddingham for example. I don't think she would jump at the role if offered personally given the demands of the role and her focus on TV/Film rather than theatre over the past 10 years.



Yes but it's not like there isn't a wealth of Black women in the USA that might have been equal or better in the role (and some, not me though, would suggest more appropriate for the role given it's a deeply American character and story - were any given the opportunity?) I see it as a similar argument to this one the only difference being she 'proved' she could do the role in another country first. Well, Cassie Levy might have proved she could do the role in a private audition with the director. Or do we only care what critics think?

Theatre people are often meant to be all about 'diversity & inclusion' but this whole attitude of 'THEY ARE TAKING OUR JOBSSS' reaks of prejudice to me, and hypocrisy too especially when British actors get AMPLE opportunity to perform on the NYC Broadway stage all the time.

Ramin Karimloo as the father?

I posted this in the performers thread but someone on broadwayworld hinted that he was returning to London next year for something.

Thought either this or Groundhog Day

Possibly, but I got the impression it was something else and implying he was leaving at end of his contract in funny girl and doing something in London. that's just one night so could be done on a short absence, and it's already been announced

I noticed Caissie Levy follows the Donmar on IG and they follow her. Really hoping she’s playing Diana…

Caissie Levy and Trevor Dion Nicholas confirmed

Booked tickets very quickly after that casting news! Delighted we get Caissie back on these shores again.

Very excited about this casting! I was lucky enough to see Caissie in Frozen back in 2018 and she was incredible!

Does anyone have any experience with the 16-25 young and free ballot? I have entered, but I’m wondering how far in advance they let you know if you have won, and whether it’s a particular performance, or you get a range of dates?

Is the whole auditorium either £60 or £45 these days? Seems much more expensive than my last experience with Jean Brodie.

No, lots of the cheaper tickets were booked before casting was announced. Lots available between £20-40 originally