New rock opera created by American LIPA student takes to the stage at Hope Street Theatre

A Liverpool Institute Of Performing Arts (LIPA) graduate from America has produced a powerful rock opera about his life in Liverpool during Covid lockdowns.

Eddie Min, now 26, is premiering the show at Hope Street Theatre from 24^th-26^th October.

Different Kind of Normal is an explosive new rock opera running for three nights only at Liverpool’s Hope Street Theatre on 24th, 25th and 26th October! The exciting concept blends a dystopian psychological thriller with a rocking soundtrack!

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 Covid-19 pandemic — following five university students as they grapple with identity, artistic awakening and love amid extraordinary challenges.

Deacon is a down on his luck musician with anxiety and OCD who is in his final year of uni. He will surely clash 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.

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.

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.

Out of this period of isolation and creativity, both Tripwire and the rock opera were born. Half play, half rock show, Different Kind of Normal isn’t just a piece of theatre — it’s an immersive and thrilling experience. With edgy acting, a hard-hitting soundtrack and a story that feels both urgent and unsettling, it’s poised to set Liverpool alight this October.

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.”

He continued:

“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!”

Tickets are expected to sell fast for this one-of-a-kind event at Hope Street Theatre, a fitting stage for a production that refuses to fit neatly into any one box. Different Kind Of Normal premieres on the evenings of 24th, 25th and 26th October — with tickets just £13 including all fees.