Bare Productions Announces Auditions for Next to Normal – Scottish Premiere Set for Edinburgh Fringe 2026
Bare Productions, one of Edinburgh’s most consistently impressive community theatre companies, has announced auditions for its landmark 2026 production of Brian Yokey’s Next to Normal, running in 2026, with auditions set for January 16th – 18th of 2026. The show will mark the Scottish premiere of the Pulitzer Prize-winning rock musical at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, with performances scheduled from 7th – 15th August 2026.
Known for its emotionally charged score and fearless storytelling, Next to Normal explores the complexities of mental health, grief, and family dynamics with rare honesty and compassion. It’s a bold choice for Bare Productions, but not an unexpected one. The company has earned a reputation for tackling challenging material with integrity and flair, praised for its “precision, heart, and unflinching commitment to storytelling” in past productions such as Into The Woods, No Spray No Lay, and RENT.
This new staging will be directed by Dominic Whitefield-Holbrook, whose previous work has been lauded for its sensitivity and vision. In keeping with Bare’s ethos of community-driven theatre, the production will be developed in partnership with Held in Our Hearts and Bipolar Scotland, two charities whose work aligns closely with the show’s themes. Their involvement will extend beyond the programme, with pre-audition discussions, rehearsal support, and dedicated resources in the theatre foyer to foster dialogue and awareness.
Auditions will be held in January, and the company is actively encouraging performers from all backgrounds to apply. With Bare’s commitment to inclusivity and authentic representation, the casting process will be supported by both partner charities to ensure the production reflects lived experience with care and nuance.
“Next to Normal isn’t just a show,” says Whitefield-Holbrook. “It’s a chance to spark empathy, conversation, and understanding around mental health. We’re honoured to be the first to bring it to a Scottish Fringe stage.” With Bare Productions at the helm, Next to Normal promises to be more than a premiere, and it’s poised to be a moment of cultural resonance, artistic bravery, and collective healing.
Audition Details:
- Auditions will be held from January 16th – 18th, 2026, in Edinburgh. Details of the venue will be released to those who have registered for auditions.
- Open to all levels of performers – this is an unpaid position for an amateur production.
- The full application pack and sign-up info will be released in early November 2025.
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Review by Dominic Corr – contact@corrblimey.uk
Editor for Corr Blimey, and a freelance critic for Scottish publications, Dominic has been writing freelance for several established and respected publications such as BBC Radio Scotland, The List, The Scotsman, Edinburgh Festival Magazine, The Reviews Hub, In Their Own League, The Wee Review and Edinburgh Guide. As of 2023, he is a member of the Critic’s Award for Theatre Scotland (CATS) and a member of the UK Film Critics.
