After 15 years, Next to Normal has finally transferred to the West End; theatre enthusiasts are finally getting the chance to experience the cult classic live on stage and this production is most definitely ALIVE! Director Michael Longhurst’s revival of this 2009 rock musical by Tom Kitt (music) and Brian Yorkey (books and lyrics) opened last year at the Donmar Warehouse to critical acclaim; rightfully so.

Next to Normal is definitely a heavy watch, tackling intense themes such as depression, tragedy, opioid addiction, grief and mania. The thought-provoking musical peels back the layers of a fractured family of Diana (Cassie Levy), Dan (Jamie Parker), Natalie (Eleanor Worthington-Cox) and Gabe (Jack Wolfe). Mother and wife, Diana has been diagnosed with a bipolar disorder and is on a myriad of drugs, all prescribed by her doctor (Trevor Dion Nicholas). While Diana is going through an array of treatments, her husband Dan is desperately trying to keep the family together, starting with their relationship with Natalie, their often-overlooked daughter. In the midst of everything, Diana is struggling with letting go of her son Gabe, who she spends most of her time with.

Fronting the show in the incomparable Cassie Levy whose harrowing performance of woman struggling with past traumas that are resulting in hallucinations. The complexity to the role is respectfully handled by Levy, her rawness, heart and grace is echoed in her powerhouse voice. Her unwavering dedication to the emotional aspect of the role is highlighted in the emotional number “I Miss the Mountains”. Her performance will leave you with tears in your eyes, as we can all relate to yearning for a return to simpler times. She confidently backed by Jamie Parker, who is the stark contrast to Levy’s emotionally charged character. His soft vocals counteract Levy’s stronger vocals, but they are anything short of spectacular. He is often the pilar of the family, constantly supporting Diana, but as she spirals deeper into depression, he starts to crack. Parker’s portrayal of Dan’s eventual breakdown is a gut-wrenching visual of a man who has stifled his emotions for a long time.

Jack Wolfe gives a standout performance as Gabe, Diana’s teenage son. His delicate, yet powerful vocals demand your attention almost immediately, drawing my attention in most ensemble numbers. His Peter Pan-esque features create the perfect image of an angelic son, being perfectly cast in the role. His captivating performance of “I’m Alive” is hypnotic, spine-tingling and I won’t be forgetting this rock fuelled number anytime soon.

Eleanor Worthington-Cox’s heart wrenching turn as Natalie, a daughter whose dejection from her mother’s neglect welcomes her to the world of drugs and partying. Her desperation comes to the forefront in “Superboy and the Invisible Girl”, opening up to her mum to no avail. Worthington-Cox chemistry and high school love story with the impossibly cute Jack Ofrecio, is a welcoming breath of fresh air. The repetition of “Perfect for You”, symbolises the only constant in Natalia’s messy life and after a rocky road, you can’t help but cheer at their happy ending.

I am confident in saying this cast is quite possibly the best cast in London at the moment, their voices blend well together, shown in their harmonious number “Light” . It would be a shame not to get a cast recording of this sublime cast.

Chloe Lamford’s minimalistic, clean staging cleverly depicts the image of a stable family home, a domestic kitchen. Lanford’s multi-functional set allows for set pieces to be slotted away or becoming a new piece of furniture entirely. The use of the revolve in the centre pf the stage is ingenious, representing a music box that seems to link Diana’s memories of Gabe, this stylistic choice elevated the staging. Lamford’s clean aesthetic is a stark contrast to the Lee Curran and Tal Rosner’s lighting and video design, which offers up an insight to the chaos and dizzying heights of Diana’s mind.

This honest in its depiction of the treatment of people suffering from mental illness and how numbing ourselves to our emotions is society’s answer. I would advise people to look at the shows’ content advisory warnings before seeing this show. This is an important show with an important story and like it’s beautifully stated in the stunning closing number “There will be light”.

Catch Next to Normal at Wyndham’s Theatre playing till 21st September 2024.

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