The Normal Heart takes place in the early years of the emerging AIDS crisis. A terrifying time when there was no cure and no clues to the insidious illness preying on gay men. Written by Larry Kramer, the Tony and Olivier Award-winning play is a semi-autobiographical account, highlighting the work of activists who fought to be heard and to support the gay community.
This seminal moment in history is a powerful piece of theatre. Amongst the revelations is a love story, a romance, but also love between family, friends and community. Audiences can expect to move through a gamut of emotions, from laughter and shock to hope and tears. The Normal Heart draws on Kramer’s real-life activism and is inspired by people who fought to be heard, and at its centre is his fictionalised alter-ego Ned Weeks, a New York writer relentless in his quest to tell the world what is happening.
Four-time Helpmann Award-winner and STC Artistic Director and co-CEO Mitchell Butel stars as Ned. He initially exudes a persona reminiscent of film director Woody Allen, with the constant questioning, overthinking nature and neurosis front and centre, prompting Felix (Nicholas Brown) to remark: “You’re as stiff as starch”. Ned confesses he doesn’t do relationships with ease, dancing around Felix’s provocation and desire, blocking advances with questions, statistics and facts. By contrast, Felix is kind-hearted and open. His frustration is echoed by the audience, so when they finally do kiss, it is all the sweeter. The relationship between Ned and Felix becomes an emotional point of understanding for the audience, articulated in the line, “I’m afraid to be with him, without him and waiting for the cure to come in time.”
As the play progresses, a fully dimensional Ned emerges, his anger, playfulness and heartbreak laid bare. He is relentless, forming a crisis organisation and railing against the apathetic and homophobic New York City government, as the death toll rises and rises.
The production features emotive performances across the cast. Emma Jones, as Dr Emma Brookner, is the passionate doctor who recognises the illness is on a rampage and becoming a worldwide epidemic.
The play paints a picture of men with texture and layers, emotional, flawed and complex. There are no idealised portraits here, only imperfect, real men. The Normal Heart showcases a wide range of a gay identities and viewpoints, from conservative to radical. Tim Draxl plays the charismatic Bruce Niles, who is closeted and resists being labelled as gay. In contrast, Keiynan Lonsdale’s Tommy Boatwright is out and proud. He draws the audience’s attention, his dance background evident in every movement. He’s the smooth peacemaker of the group. Evan Lever brings Mickey Marcus to life, his portrayal charged with frustration, hysteria and desperation.
Mark Saturno, as Ned’s straight brother Ben, offers an interesting reflection of family dynamics — love and acceptance without full understanding.
Live musical accompaniment, piano by Michael Griffiths and cello by Rowena Macneish, builds the dramatic tempo of composer Hilary Kleinig’s score and supports storytelling monologues. It is a shame, however, that the cabaret scene is mimed, as a live singer would have added depth to the moment.
Sound Designer Andrew Howard’s music choices transport the audience back to the 1980s, with New Order’s Bizarre Love Triangle opening the production, accompanied by slow-motion dance movement.
Directed by Dean Bryant, the cast, including those who have lost their lives to the disease, remain on stage throughout, watching alongside the audience, bearing witness to what unfolds, while background action, including physical examinations, further emphasises Byrant’s considered direction.
Jeremy Allen’s detailed set design uses the long stage to suggest multiple locations — lounge rooms, office spaces and hospital waiting rooms. With an exposed brick wall and peeling paint, the set offers an honest depiction of the spaces in New York.
The Normal Heart is confronting, particularly for those unfamiliar with this period in history. As Butel notes, it has become a dangerous time again, and, failing to listen to history risks repeating it.
The Normal Heart is playing at the Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House until 14 March 2026.
4.5 stars.
2 hours and 30 minutes (including interval)
For tickets visit: Sydney Theatre Company
Looking for a pre-show bite? Deux Frères is located close by. For more suggestions, check out Bites & Sips.
BACCHUS AT THE THEATRE 
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