A powerful and moving rock musical exploring mental health, family, love and resilience, with an emotional range that is both thought-provoking and uplifting.
A powerful journey that stays with you
Bare Productions has crafted a show that feels intimate, structured, and moving. What makes this production particularly essential is its ability to create a shared space for conversations we usually keep behind closed doors. The energy of a rock score is the ideal vehicle for this! It captures the distinct messiness, chaotic highs, and crushing lows of living alongside mental illness in a way traditional theatre rarely can.
Leaning into that raw sound transforms an isolating story into a collective experience of strength, reminding us that there is real comfort in facing the chaos together.
A story that goes straight to the heart
Next to Normal is not a show that lets you watch from a comfortable distance; instead, it takes the viewer to the heart of the conversation, challenging norms and mobilising deep reflection. Staged by Edinburgh company Bare Productions at Paradise in Augustines, the production follows Diana Goodman, a mother struggling with bipolar disorder.
Alongside her family, they grapple with the emotional impact of her illness, grief, and the search for healing. Under Dominic Whitefield-Holbrook’s direction, the narrative delivers a clear human truth: healing is messy, family love is complicated, and resilience takes strength and support. Finlay Turnbull’s musical direction drives a dynamic, rock-infused score that mirrors the turbulence on stage beautifully.
Truly meaningful theatre
Will Jackson delivers precision as Dr Madden, a consistently strong and powerful character that underpins the narrative, and delicately stimulates concern and ‘that unnerving feeling’ that Diana experiences while seeking help. Brikaih Floré leads the cast as Diana, bringing vulnerability to her character’s grief. Beside her, Greg McCafferty-Thomson portrays Dan with an outstanding performance that captures the complexities of Dan’s position, and conflicts of a husband holding his family together.
Kelsey Mackenzie offers a sharp performance as daughter Natalie, balanced well in her scenes with Ollie Hall’s Henry, vividly demonstrating the frustrations, pressures, and expectations put upon teenagers, and how home disturbances exacerbate such turbulence. Meanwhile, Zac McGuire brings a strong presence to Gabe, which was truly unforgettable, and his animated acting supported Diana’s journey to create a truly thought-provoking experience.
Finding humour, hope and light
Despite the heavy subject matter, the production weaves in warmth, sharp wit, and necessary light. Referencing recognisable experiences that unsheltered kids often see, the production prompts the audience to feel at ease through common culture. The lighter moments across the performance offer balance without undermining the narrative’s gravity. The emotional range moves naturally between quiet confrontation and moments of witty family banter.
Next to Normal, Fringe 2026
Summary
With strong performances across the cast, with particularly memorable work from Brikaih Floré and Zac McGuire, Next to Normal is a powerful, complex and emotionally resonant, with themes that stay with you.
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