Next to Normal
Centre For Excellence in Creative Arts, Hartlepool, TS24 9PB
Friday 14th August 2026 - Saturday 15th August 2026
Next to Normal is a contemporary musical that explores mental illness and its impact on individuals and families. While many productions offer escapism, this piece creates space for meaningful conversation, empathy, and awareness around mental wellbeing—something we feel is particularly important within our local community today.
Next to Normal follows Diana Goodman, a suburban mother battling bipolar disorder and grief of her son. Her mental illness impacts her entire family, particularly her husband, Dan, and daughter, Natalie, both of whom struggle with their own emotional challenges. The show explores the difficulties and misunderstandings surrounding mental health, including Diana’s treatments, such as medication and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), while questioning societal perceptions of mental illness.
We have chosen Next to Normal specifically because it addresses mental health openly and responsibly, and our aim is to ensure audiences are not only moved by the production but are also made aware of local support and resources.
Next to Normal was the winner of three 2009 Tony Awards, including Best Musical Score and the 2010 Pulitzer Prize, Next to Normal was also chosen as "one of the year's ten best shows" by critics.
This production has been performed, created and directed by performers who are currently in their last years of professional training at top London drama schools. Alumni of Crash Bang Wallop and Stockton Riverside College. We believe there is a mental health crisis, with 1 in 5 people aged 18-21 having a probable mental illness. As we are in this age category there is a responsibility and a chance to step up for our community. We are collaborating with The Headlight Project, a local charity in Teesside, who give generous support to people struggling with their mental health. It is a fabulous charity who have made such a positive impact to our community. We aren't getting a profit from this production as our money (after overheads) will be going to the Headlight Project.
We recommend ages 14+ due to the show containing adult language and themes; depictions of mental health conditions and medical treatments, including electroshock therapy; drug use/abuse; discussions of death, suicide, and loss of a child.
Next to Normal follows Diana Goodman, a suburban mother battling bipolar disorder and grief of her son. Her mental illness impacts her entire family, particularly her husband, Dan, and daughter, Natalie, both of whom struggle with their own emotional challenges. The show explores the difficulties and misunderstandings surrounding mental health, including Diana’s treatments, such as medication and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), while questioning societal perceptions of mental illness.
We have chosen Next to Normal specifically because it addresses mental health openly and responsibly, and our aim is to ensure audiences are not only moved by the production but are also made aware of local support and resources.
Next to Normal was the winner of three 2009 Tony Awards, including Best Musical Score and the 2010 Pulitzer Prize, Next to Normal was also chosen as "one of the year's ten best shows" by critics.
This production has been performed, created and directed by performers who are currently in their last years of professional training at top London drama schools. Alumni of Crash Bang Wallop and Stockton Riverside College. We believe there is a mental health crisis, with 1 in 5 people aged 18-21 having a probable mental illness. As we are in this age category there is a responsibility and a chance to step up for our community. We are collaborating with The Headlight Project, a local charity in Teesside, who give generous support to people struggling with their mental health. It is a fabulous charity who have made such a positive impact to our community. We aren't getting a profit from this production as our money (after overheads) will be going to the Headlight Project.
We recommend ages 14+ due to the show containing adult language and themes; depictions of mental health conditions and medical treatments, including electroshock therapy; drug use/abuse; discussions of death, suicide, and loss of a child.
