Next to Normal - Donmar / Wyndham’s

TBH. wish I could go again - I regret waiting so long to see it.

No one left that we saw 

That photo I think would have been from last week; Eleanor was there on Tuesday.

As was I, in the front row... to be honest: I'm still recovering. This could possibly be the best thing I've ever seen (it was certainly the most intense, aided by my proximity). The show itself is unbelievably well crafted and directed, and for me, deals with the more trying plot aspects extremely well. Performances are stupendous without exception; in particular, the vocal and acting-through-song masterclass given by Caissie Levy and the sheer acting chops on Jamie Parker (how do they put themselves through that eight times a week? With brilliant attendance records too. Mad!). I was and remain astounded. To echo all the praise on here further regarding Jack Wolfe and Eleanor Worthington-Cox, who are stars not only of the future, but now. Cleaner vocals, you will not find, and heart-wrenching characterisations. Sterling support from Trevor Dion Nicholas and Jack Ofrecio too of course, as well as the brilliant-sounding band.

Also. It was LOUD and hectic sound-wise. Proper concert vibes. Which I guess is by design and an apt representation of Diana's mind at times, but one of my ears blocked towards the end of Act 1 in protest! Haven't felt that in a theatre before.

Happened to catch Marisha Wallace and Simon-Anthony Rhoden heading backstage afterwards as well for a chinwag. Everyone clearly wants their fix just in time.

I’m grumpy with myself that I lost track of when this closes and I missed out on rush today. Will try again tomorrow. Pockets not deep enough for rack rate.

I was there last night too - another great show!

I actually feel quite sad this show is closing. Saw final matinee at Donmar last year (7 October) and was in last week at the Wyndham’s. 💔 I am so happy that this has been recorded / documented. Wishing all the cast an amazing final day - they all look like they need hugs! 😭

So sad to see this production go. I’ve loved keeping up with this thread and seeing how blown away people who go in not knowing the story end up being.

Please correct me if I’m wrong, but after doing a quick search of the popular shows on here, I believe this is the musical with the most five star ratings in a poll (although not the highest percentage of five star ratings), so it can definitely be branded as a theatreboard.co.uk success (which I would argue is a far higher badge of honour than any paper.)

I don’t suppose anybody has any further news on a potential Broadway transfer or when the pro-shot will be released? Failing that I’d love to know where any of the cast are headed next, and I’ll definitely be keeping up with Jack Wolfe and Eleanor Worthington-Cox’s careers which are sure to bring more triumphs. I know EWC had teased perhaps getting to play her ‘dream role’ soon in an interview, which I’m sure would be very exciting.

Just added another “5 stars” vote for the count
An interesting show with a superb cast. Even if they do it again, it will be hard to surpass this cast. Very glad it was recorded

I was late to the party on this but saw it six times in the end. A show I'll never tire of - I wasn't sure if I could return after the first time as it punched me hard like no other show ever has. Where my initial feelings were one of fear of my own emotional layers being peeled back by a razor sharp mandolin, I learned to love this show for the cathartic experience it became. It felt so crazily real that it could be biographical, yet my sanity always stayed safely in check and I reminded myself that it was just a show. But what a show. I can't thank the cast and director enough for helping me understand my own emotions better, and for enabling my children to better understand their own journey as well as that of their mother. There was light.

My feelings definitely mirror yours CB.I saw the show on Broadway first,knowing the subject matter but not exactly how it was going to be interpreted. My own life experience while not identical has many similarities to the narrative in the show.

At the end of Act One I had a back ache and realised that was from gripping the handrail in front of our seats tightly throughout. I couldn’t move from my seat and I was very tearful,something I very rarely am at the theatre. The second act had exactly the same effect as the first. My husband and I were so moved that we could barely look at each other at the end of the show.

it took me a long time to be able to listen to the OBC recording and when it finally came to the UK,I was very skeptical about seeing a different cast and whether I’d end up in the same state as I did in NY. The NY experience certainly stayed in my head for many years and felt both cathartic and relatable,sometimes in an optimistic way.

I needn’t have worried about the UK cast,who I thought were universally excellent and I did end up being just as emotional as I did during the Broadway production. In fact Jamie Parker’s interpretation of Dan felt more viscerally affecting than J.Robert Spencer’s portrayal of the character on Broadway.

I don’t know whether the writers Tom Kitt or Brian Yorkey have similar real life experiences,but if not,I have no idea how they managed to capture the raw emotion and effect on mental health/relationships a tragedy of this nature can wreak on a family.

It’s extremely rare to see such truth regarding this life experience played out in a show or film.

I knew it was too niche and dark to be a long running west end hit,but I’m so glad UK theatregoers got an opportunity to see it after all these years.

I think I might be a little lone wolf in enjoying the branding and imagery!

HBO is developing a film adaption.