‘Next to Normal’ sets UK premiere at Donmar Warehouse

The musical will open in summer 2023.

Three shows are now confirmed for the Donmar Warehouse's 30th anniversary season. Upcoming productions include a revival of Watch on the Rhine, the world premiere of Trouble in Butetown, and the UK premiere of Next to Normal.

“It is a privilege to be co-helming the Donmar as we approach this major milestone. I am grateful for the talent, tenacity and generosity of all those who have built that history. These shows kick off our birthday celebrations in classic Donmar style with an unearthed gem, a thrilling new play and later in the year, a long-awaited Broadway musical,” said artistic director Michael Longhurst.

The UK premiere of Next to Normal will play the Donmar Warehouse in summer 2023. The Pulitzer Prize-winning musical centres on Diana Goodman, a wife and mother living with bipolar disorder. Next to Normal premiered on Broadway in 2009, and won three Tonys including Best Original Score.

Next to Normal features a book and lyrics by Tom Yorkey and music by Tom Kitt. Michael Longhurst directs a cast to be announced. Next to Normal begins previews on 12 August, with an opening night on 22 August and performances to 7 Oct. 2023.

Ellen McDougall directs Lillian Hellman’s Watch on the Rhine at the Donmar Warehouse in winter 2022. Set in summer 1941, Watch on the Rhine follows widow Fanny Farrelly as she awaits the return of her daughter and her German husband, fleeing Europe with their children.

Kate Duchêne, Caitlin FitzGerald and Patricia Hodge will star in Watch on the Rhine. The show features design by Basia Bińkowska, lighting design by Azusa Ono, sound design by Tingying Dong. Watch on the Rhine begins previews on 9 December, with an opening night on 15 December, and performances to 4 Feb. 2023.

The world premiere of Diana Nneka Atuona’s Trouble in Butetown will then play the Donmar Warehouse in spring 2023. Set in an illegal boarding house in Butetown, Cardiff, an African American GI discovers a new world where segregation seemingly doesn’t exist. Tinuke Craig directs Trouble in Butetown, with previews from 10 February, an opening night on 20 February, and eprformances to 25 March 2023.

As part of the theatre’s 30th anniversary celebrations, a fundraiser performance will take place in November 2023. All three former artistic directors – Michael Grandage, Sam Mendes and Josie Rourke — alongside Michael Longhurst will take part, alongside notable alumni reprising roles they played at the theatre.