On Friday 24th October 2025, we had the pleasure of seeing Different Kind of Normal, a brand-new dystopian rock opera that premiered in Liverpool — and what a show it was! This bold and imaginative production brought together an exceptional young cast whose energy, charisma and vocal talent lit up the stage from start to finish.
Follow Different Kind Of Normal on INSTAGRAM
Blending the raw energy of a live rock concert with the intensity of theatre, the production was a wonderful genre-defying experience. At its core, Different Kind of Normal is inspired by university life during the Covid-19 pandemic — following five university students as they grapple with identity, artistic awakening and love amid extraordinary challenges.
Follow Different Kind Of Normal on INSTAGRAM
Deacon is a down on his luck musician with anxiety and OCD who is in his final year of uni and he has an interesting relationship with Bonzo — a nerdy drummer with ADHD and Autism who has a dependency on alcohol and drugs. Meanwhile, Harley is a visual artist in her early 20s with her own issues and Logo is an obnoxious drug dealer. Throw young hippie and peacekeeper Regan into the mix and it’s an interesting dynamic.
Follow Different Kind Of Normal on INSTAGRAM
The dynamics between the characters were both fascinating and funny, with moments of heartfelt sincerity balanced beautifully by humour and charm. The relationships felt real and relatable, making the dystopian setting all the more engaging, and as with any great theatre show — there were plenty of twists, turns and tangents.
Follow Different Kind Of Normal on INSTAGRAM
The band Tripwire delivered a phenomenal live soundtrack that perfectly captured the intensity and emotion of the story. Their musicianship gave the performance a raw, authentic rock edge that elevated every scene. It was genuinely refreshing to see such young, passionate artists pour their hearts into something so ambitious — a real breath of fresh air for Liverpool’s theatre scene.
Follow Different Kind Of Normal on INSTAGRAM
The concept comes from Eddie Min, a 26-year-old California-born graduate of Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA). Eddie arrived in Liverpool in 2018 to study music, just before the pandemic hit. Stranded in a new country under lockdown, he began writing a concept album about students forced into confinement — each bringing their own fears, flaws and inner battles to the fore.
Follow Different Kind Of Normal on INSTAGRAM
When the final note rang out, the entire audience rose to their feet for a well-deserved standing ovation — including Eddie’s parents who had travelled from California to see the show. His parents were mighty proud and as was I — proud of Eddie and of all these incredible young creatives. Different Kind of Normal was a triumph for local theatre — a thrilling, original piece that deserves to return for another run.
Follow Different Kind Of Normal on INSTAGRAM
As we move into the colder months, I’d encourage everyone to see what’s on at our local venues. The Hope Street Theatre and Little Theatre, in particular, host some incredible grassroots productions. These amateur dramatic performances are not only affordable but often showcase outstanding talent and creativity. Support your local acting scene — you might be pleasantly surprised by the quality and passion on display.
Different Kind Of Normal / 24th, 25th, 26th October 2025, 7.30pm / Hope Street Theatre, 22 Hope Street, Liverpool, L1 9BY
Follow Different Kind Of Normal on INSTAGRAM
Follow Eddie’s band Tripwire on INSTAGRAM
Written by Eddie Min, Directed by Luke Sookdeo, Score performed by Eddie Min, Luke Dolphin and Toby Fletcher from Tripwire, Cast: George Fragakis, Joel Diamond, Emily Guilfoyle, Lauren Dwyer and Tom Foley
