Following a landmark 2025 season of sold-out, critically acclaimed hits, The Old Joint Stock Theatre is preparing to raise the bar yet again.

This Midlands gem proves that big dreams thrive in intimate spaces. Powered by just three theatre-makers, James Edge, Emily Susanne Lloyd, and Liam Alexandru, the venue continues to champion daring contemporary musicals and spotlight bold, lesser-known works.

The journey through 2025 is far from over, with the thrilling Bonnie & Clyde storming in this October, followed by a festive Christmas Double Bill of new writing: A Wonderful Knife: A Christmas Dundee and Pinocchio: A Christmas Tale.

And looking ahead to 2026, the Old Joint Stock has unveiled its first major announcement: the regional premiere of the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning rock musical Next to Normal, arriving in Birmingham straight from its acclaimed West End run.

Next to Normal, with book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey and music by Tom Kitt, explores how one suburban household copes with crisis and mental illness. 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 around the country, including The Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, Rolling Stone and The New York Times.

Dad's an architect; Mom rushes to pack lunches and pour cereal; their daughter and son are bright, wise-cracking teens, appearing to be a typical American family. And yet their lives are anything but normal because the mother has been battling bipolar disorder for 16 years. Next to Normal takes audiences into the minds and hearts of each character, presenting their family's story with love, sympathy and heart.

Next to Normal shows at The Old Joint Stock from 8 - 26 April 2026. Tickets are on sale here.