Theatre Review: Next to Normal, Wyndham’s Theatre - a theatre experience I will not forget in a hurry.

⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑

To put it simply, Next to Normal is a theatre experience I will not forget in a hurry. The musical deals with incredibly complex themes of loss and grief, mental health struggles and the impact it can have on those around you, how easy it is for trauma to be passed down generations and how hard it is to believe you can break free of destructive cycles. The emotional depth and raw intensity of this production was palpable throughout.

Jack Wolfe (Gabe) and Eleanor Worthington-Cox (Natalie) deliver vocal performances that are nothing short of spectacular. Wolfe's powerful voice soars with emotion, capturing the anguish and confusion of a family teetering on the edge, desperate to survive. The original Broadway cast of Next to Normal featured fan favourite Aaron Tveit in the role of Gabe, and those are not small footprints to follow after. But his rendition of I’m Alive is a masterclass in acting through song by a vocal powerhouse. Worthington-Cox matches this with her own stunning vocal strength, conveying vulnerability and resilience in equal measure. And the way she portrays Natalie and the spiral into repeating unhealthy behaviours she’s grown up around out of an ironic desperation to break the cycle, it’s devastating and breathtaking to watch. The two of them together, their harmonies are electrifying, creating a musical experience that is both haunting and beautiful.

Caissie Levy’s portrayal of Diana Goodman is impossible to look away from. Her ability to convey the complexities of a woman grappling with mental illness, the devastation of grief, and the desperation to keep her family afloat in the midst of it all is mesmerizing. Levy brings a depth and authenticity to the role that is both heartbreaking and compelling, making Diana's journey through despair and hope so easy to connect to.

The musical’s handling of grief is both poignant and unflinching. The book has sometimes faced criticism for its portrayal of mental health, but I didn’t quite see why. It never claims to be telling THE story of loss and mental health, it’s simply telling A story of loss and mental health. Whilst it might not be how everyone experiences it, Next to Normal dives into the all-consuming nature of loss, portraying it as an ever-present force that shapes and shadows every moment, whether confronted directly or buried deep within. The narrative weaves this theme through every character's story, showing the varied ways people cope with pain and the impact it has on their lives. It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of facing our emotions, no matter how overwhelming they may seem.

I must give mention to set (Chloe Lamford), lighting (Lee Curran), and sound design (Tony Gayle), for working together to create what was, to me, the most haunting moment of the show. Without spoiling too much, it comes in Act 2, and it involves Jack Wolfe’s character in one of the raised cubes that house the band, behind a perplex screen with a white blind hiding him. He appears only as a silhouette, edges blurred, and his voice echoing and distant. It’s such a simple moment, it doesn’t last long, but its inclusion elevates the entire production.

If I had one qualm, it would be around the Doctor characters. In that, there’s not enough of them. And I get it, it reflects the nature of doctor-patient dynamics. We know loads about Diana, the patient, and basically nothing about Doctor Fine or Doctor Madden. But when you’ve got a musical theatre giant like Trevor Dion Nichols in the role, you can’t help but feel desperate for him to be given a big juicy number to bite into.

But ultimately, Next to Normal at Wyndham's Theatre is a must-see. The vocals, the story, the chemistry between the cast, the outstanding performances, the super catchy rock influenced music, it all culminates in a deeply moving and unforgettable theatrical experience, and it might just be one of the easiest five stars I’ve ever given.

Next to Normal plays a strictly limited run at Wyndham’s Theatre London until September 21st. Tickets available here.