Next to Normal to have regional premiere in 2026

Exclusive: The Old Joint Stock Theatre in Birmingham has announced its 2026 spring production, staging the regional premiere of Next to Normal.

The Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning rock musical, with book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey and music by Tom Kitt, will run from 8 to 26 April. The piece, which recently played in the West End (and will shortly be shown in UK cinemas), follows a suburban family coping with the impact of mental illness and loss.

The production is directed by the venue’s artistic director James Edge, who said: “Next year marks the Old Joint Stock’s 20th anniversary as a theatre, and to celebrate, we’re planning our boldest and most exciting season yet. This year has already seen incredible ambition with Be More Chill and Bonnie and Clyde, but 2026 will undoubtedly be our most daring year so far. Next to Normal is a phenomenal show to take on, and I’ve long believed it belongs in an intimate setting and there aren’t many spaces more intimate than the Old Joint Stock. Following its recent, hugely successful London run, I’m thrilled to bring this brand-new, non-replica production to audiences here in the Midlands.”

The creative team also includes Emily Susanne Lloyd as associate director and producer, Liam Alexandru as marketing director, with artwork by Tom Mann/Ghostlight Studios and digital media from Perro Loco Productions.

The announcement follows a busy 2025 season for the Old Joint Stock, which has presented A Little Bawl of Pain, Ordinary Days, Be More Chill and Do You Hear The People Sing?.

Later this year, the theatre stages Bonnie & Clyde in October and a Christmas double bill of A Wonderful Knife: A Christmas Dundee and Pinocchio: A Christmas Tale.