Bare Productions present the Scottish premiere of Next to Normal, the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical about a family trying to navigate mental illness, bereavement, and what it means to be “normal”.
Unless you have seen Next to Normal before, you would likely not expect a musical about bipolar disorder to, quite frankly, rock. Tom Kitt’s score is superb, with incisive and insightful lyrics by Brian Yorkey, while the story defies the most sceptical audience member to keep a dry eye to the end. Despite its heavy subject matter the show is also very funny at points, displaying the aspects of living with mental ill health that create as much light as shade. The dark times are very dark however, and the production makes sure to signpost support for any audience member affected by the themes.
Although this is technically an amateur production, you would be hard pressed to say it is anything other than professional standard. The cast are strong across the board, and special mention should go to understudies Rebecca Drever as Natalie, Guy Bathgate as Gabe and Youssef Basir as Henry, who performed on this particular night and all did an outstanding job.
Despite being a little young for the role, Briakaih Flore gives a stellar performance as Diana Goodman, navigating the powerful vocals required with seeming ease. While some of Diana’s psychiatric symptoms initially appear to lack nuance, Flore finds her feet quickly, and her central presence and interplay with each of the rest of the cast drives the narrative, pace and punch of the piece. Greg McCafferty-Thompson gives a heartfelt performance as husband Dan, empathetic and with emotion always bubbling just at the surface. His superb vocals make him a match for Flore, and the pair create a genuine connection that is core to the success of the narrative.
Guided by director Dominic Whitefield-Holbrook and underscored by Musical Director Finlay Turnbull’s six piece band, the rest of the cast shine in each of their roles. Drever is particularly noteworthy as Natalie, with her strong voice and engaging presence adding depth and pathos to the piece. Basir is a beguiling Henry, bringing positivity and warmth to the role, while Bathgate’s Gabe ably walks the line between sincere and sinister. Will Jackson gives an assured performance as both Psychopharmacologist Doctor Fine and “rock star” Doctor Madden, while his characters avoid the clichés about mental health professionals often seen on stage.
This production showcases emerging talent while telling this challenging story in both a compelling and emotive way. The songs are electric, and the performances more than meet the material. It will certainly be exciting to see what Bare Productions do next.
By Deborah Klayman
Next to Normal plays at Paradise in Augustines, Edinburgh until August 15th 2026.