Next to Normal - Donmar / Wyndham’s

I saw today’s matinee, and it was a real surprise. I thought that it was simply sublime!

Rock scores are not typically my thing (as some of you on here may have guessed), but this really worked for me. I have known of the show since its original Broadway run, and remember buying the cast recording at the old Dress Circle shop following a recommendation from a member of staff there. I liked the score, and a few of the songs were standouts, but the whole thing really shines in the context of the actual show. Songs come out of the dramatic moment and develop the character and plot. Some of the lyrics are really quite profound in what they are trying to say about families, mental health and life generally.

The book is very strong, contrasting dark, heavy moments with those of lightness and levity well. The story captivates from its first moment to its last and does not let-up on momentum. The piece packs a real emotional punch. It is so far removed from my own lived experience, and I didn't really feel much in the first act, but I was in bits for most of the second, struggling to talk when the lights came up.

The way that all threads are joined together is beautiful - the relationship between Natalie and Henry that in some ways reflects the early relationship of Diana and Dan, triggering memories for Diana.

The theme of mental health, and how one family members’ struggles with it touches others is wonderfully explored, with the presence of Gabe on stage being a physical manifestation of this. He is threatening to be ‘seen’ by anyone of the characters at any moment. Dan quite obviously sees him but is trying to block him out, showing how he has suppressed his own grief in order to help Diana and stay strong for the family. This ultimately falls away when Diana leaves him, and he finally has to face his own demons and acknowledge Gabe. Natalie also almost succumbs to her own problems and worries that history is going to repeat itself with her. There is a lovely moment when Gabe touches her hand, and there is a slight moment of recognition, showing the mark her parents have left on her, and what may happen in her future. The scene between Diana and Natalie in the second act was a much-needed moment of connection and catharsis between the two.

The cast were uniformly excellent, with Cassie Levy as Diana, Jack Wolfe as Gabe and Eleanor Worthington-Cox as Natalie being particular standouts. The production and set were simple, but effective. I liked how the band were revealed at moments of mental instability and trauma showing the ‘noise’ within the character’s heads. The circular revolve was a representation of themes within the book. There was also some really effective use of lighting.

Again, I absolutely loved it and it is quite possibly the best thing I have seen all year. Musical theatre writing at its finest! An easy five stars, and I really hope this transfers.

Something weird happened this evening too - Jamie was still clearing up when the music started for Didn't I See This Movie and didn't run off until Caissie had actually started singing and he's usually gone way earlier than that

She hadn't started coming down the stairs yet, she literally got to the end of the first line and he ran off once he'd got the towels in the bag.

I was there too, and almost freaked out thinking they had changed the scene from the last time I saw it. But yeah, it seems it was just a mishap.

My friend was seeing the show for the first time, and she reported she understood what the cleaning scene meant and thought the whole way of the scene was on purpose.

I have put a pair of stalls tickets for Wednesday 27th September at 7:30 pm on the Noticeboard.

I actually think many patrons are quite willing to accept a credit note. However, if you hold your ground, they have to return your money if a credit note is of no use to you. There may not be another production that you wish to see at the Donmar. They cannot refuse to refund your money when they effectively ‘broke the contract’ by cancelling the performance.

The pair of tickets for Weds evening I put on the Noticeboard are now sold.

any word on a cast recording?

I hope Next to Normal has a similar fate as Heathers, had a sell out off west end and then transferred to West End and cast recording happened. 

Tbh I want a WE transfer more at this point. 

1000% agree!

Only the understudy run I think

Heard today that the show will transfer in 2024 and take the current cast with it?