An iconic musical returns with a fabulous cast, fresh energy and a concert-like atmosphere
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What’s it about?
RENT follows a group of young artists and friends living in New York, navigating relationships, creativity, poverty and the impact of HIV/AIDS. Jonathan Larson’s musical has become one of the most iconic musicals of its generation, with a score that includes songs such as Seasons of Love, La Vie Bohème and Take Me or Leave Me.
This new West End production, which marks 30 years since RENT premiered on Broadway, is directed by Luke Sheppard and inspired by his 2020 production at Manchester’s Hope Mill Theatre. It now arrives at the Tom Stoppard Theatre in a new production presented by Chris Harper Productions and Sonia Friedman Productions in association with Hope Mill Theatre.
What we loved
When the show begins, you can’t help but feel like you’re stepping back in time and witnessing this iconic musical being resurrected from the musical museum. Hearing those familiar lines and notes again is wonderful, and this production gives a whole new generation of theatre-goers – many of whom may know every note from the original Broadway recording without ever having had the chance to see the production – the opportunity to experience RENT live.
The musical is staged in the round, with some audience members seated on stage. The performance area itself is quite small, with a revolve in the middle, but the cast use every inch of the space available. Band members are positioned on scaffolding at the back of the stage, while old television screens placed around the set show footage from Mark’s camera.
The cast enter the stage before the show begins and sit around the edge of the performance area, some right next to audience members seated on stage. This is a great way of immediately introducing everyone to the world and community of RENT.
The show is exceptionally well cast, bringing fresh energy and excitement to the musical. Given the iconic performances of previous RENT productions, this cast does an excellent job of making the roles their own. Travis Ross (Roger) and Alexa Lopez (Mimi) have great chemistry, while Jeevan Braich (Angel) has a wonderful voice and impressive moves. Billy Nevers (Tom Collins) is particularly strong, delivering a wonderfully moving performance that brings real gravitas to the role.
RENT is very much an ensemble show, and it is great to see everyone getting their moment to shine. The in-the-round staging and revolve make the production feel very fluid, enhanced by the choreography and constant movement around the space.
There is also something of a concert vibe to the production, with the audience eagerly awaiting the reveal of each new iconic song. With a score this well known, there is a real sense of anticipation around hearing those familiar opening notes.
Visually, the production embraces its period, with great costumes and even bigger 90s hair. RENT definitely feels like a piece from a very specific time in New York, but the fresh cast brings a new energy that helps it reach a new generation of audiences.
Anything we’d change?
While RENT remains unmistakably rooted in the period in which it was written, that is also part of its identity. This production doesn’t try to reinvent the musical or move it away from its origins, instead allowing the strength of Larson’s music, characters and ensemble to do the work.
Who created it?
RENT was written by Jonathan Larson, who wrote the book, music and lyrics.
This production is directed by Luke Sheppard, with choreography by Tom Jackson Greaves, set design by David Woodhead, costume design by Gabriella Slade, lighting design by Howard Hudson and sound design by Paul Gatehouse.
Verdict
There is something special about hearing RENT performed live again. This production embraces everything that made the musical so distinctive, while a fabulous new cast brings fresh energy to the characters and score. With its fluid in-the-round staging, strong ensemble and iconic songs, it feels both like a celebration of RENT and an opportunity for a new generation to discover it.