An American’s lockdown experience in Liverpool has been turned into a rock opera.
Eddie Min was studying music at the city’s Institute of Performing Arts (LIPA) when the COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to a complete standstill in spring 2020.
Five years on, the 26-year-old has channelled his memories from that time into ‘Different Kind of Normal’, which will run for three nights at the Hope Street Theatre.
Blending the raw energy of a live rock concert with the intensity of theatre, the production promises to be a genre-defying experience.
At its core, Different Kind of Normal is inspired by university life during the pandemic, following five students as they grapple with identity, artistic awakening and love amid extraordinary challenges.
Through a psychedelic rock score, the story explores urgent themes such as neurodiversity, mental health, addiction and the emotional toll of isolation.
As the characters confront their inner struggles, they reveal a collective path toward healing and self-acceptance — played by some of Liverpool’s finest young acting talent, the result is a profound and captivating production.
The soundtrack is performed live by Liverpool alt-rock band Tripwire, whose sound has been shaped by heavyweights like Queens of the Stone Age and Deftones.
With 11 powerhouse tracks, the score drives the story forward with gritty riffs, haunting melodies and heart-pounding rhythms designed to immerse the audience in the chaos.
Eddie said: “Coming to Liverpool, home of The Beatles, to study at LIPA was a dream for me back in 2018.
“However, that soon turned into a nightmare when COVID lockdowns hit and I felt isolated and uncertain of the future in a new country.
“That’s when I decided to come up with the concept album for Different Kind Of Normal.
“My band Tripwire has been getting some great traction — with some big performances at Zanzibar, Jacaranda and further afield.
“We completed the concept album and that’s when I thought about turning it into a rock opera.
“We have a super talented cast of young actors and it’s going to be an incredible show — if you love theatre, rock and all things psychological and dystopian you’re in for a treat!”
Different Kind Of Normal runs from October 24 to 26, 2025 at 7.30pm each night.
Tickets are priced at £13 including all fees at hopestreettheatre.com