29/03/2026
Lots of amazing comments from our audience and reviewers:
Natalie Walker: 'Oh my God. Next To Normal - what and incredible show! The best thing I've seen in a long time!'
Martyn Hunter:
'What a show last night. Best piece of theatre I've seen in quite some time. A moving & emotional storyline with fab acting.
Stand out performer for me was the son, didn't get a programme so don't know his name but what a star, he was mesmerising.'
Julia Pattison for the Pocklington Post:
Musical : Next To Normal Age recommendation: 14+
Venue : Theatre@41 Monkgate, York
Dates: Until Saturday 4th April 2026
Pick Me Up Theatre have made a welcome return to Theatre@41 after their spectacular show Anything Goes, with a bold choice of the musical Next To Normal, an intimate exploration of family and illness, loss and grief. At the heart of the musical was Diana Goodman (Monica Frost), an American suburban wife and mother living with bipolar disorder, who had been battling manic depression for 16 years and was haunted by her past. So far, so depressing, not exactly material for a musical? Wrong! Winner of three 2009 Tony Awards including Best Musical Score and the 2010 Pulitzer Prize, Next To Normal, with book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey and Music by Tom Kitt took us all into the minds and hearts of each character. The thrilling and original rock score was exhilarating to listen to; it was wonderful to be able to see charismatic Musical Director James Robert Ball and his brilliant band onstage as the score was such a huge part of the storytelling. Under Andrew Isherwood’s sensitive direction the Goodman’s family story was shared with love, sympathy and heart, and delivered with passion and feeling by a talented cast of six. The simple set (Set build Robert Readman and Rich Musk) on two levels meant that we felt that we were a fly on the wall in the Goodman’s family home, with the intimate space of Theatre@41, lighting and sound(Adam Moore) reinforcing the atmosphere of claustrophobia and tension as we were all drawn into Diana’s world.
Monica Frost was outstanding in the role, and you really cared about her character, willing her to overcome her inner torment. Her “ I Miss The Mountains ”solo was superb and sung with such power and passion. You also wanted to reach out to Dan, Diana’s husband (played with great conviction by Dale Vaughan) who became increasingly desperate as he tried to hold everything together for his family. There were some much needed lighter moments in the midst of all the high emotion; one particular highlight was Dad Dan’s Dancing number, “ It’s Good ”
– it certainly was, with Dale giving it his all. Ryan Richardson, playing Dr Madden/ Dr Fine gave a fine performance too in his Rock Star alter ego moments, stealing the show with his antics. Matthew Warry is clearly a rising star, and was phenomenal in his role of son Gabe, exuding confidence and commanding the space whenever he appeared. His rendition of “ I’m Alive ” was West End standard, and truly moving. Bravo!
Niamh Rose shone in her role of Gabe’s sister Natalie, trying so hard to be seen by her mother, capturing her character’s vulnerability when she felt ignored. Fergus Green was the perfect choice for the part of Natalie’s love interest Henry, calm, and comforting towards her, and their blossoming relationship was tender, warm, and most believable.A powerful musical about mental health, grief, and hope too, which took you on a rollercoaster of emotions with its twists and turns, as this ordinary American family went through something extraordinary.
