Archive review: I saw RENT during its 20th anniversary UK tour at Churchill Theatre Bromley in 2017. This post preserves my original five-star reaction to that production and its cast; the old tour booking information is now historical.
RENT The Musical – My 2017 Review
I went into RENT knowing almost nothing about it. Reading the synopsis and looking through the production photographs had made me curious, and after watching the trailer I was properly gripped. What I wasn’t expecting was to still be trying to get to grips with my emotions the following day.
Jonathan Larson’s rock musical follows a group of young artists living in New York City’s East Village and is inspired by Puccini’s La bohème. This production marked the musical’s 20th anniversary and was directed by Bruce Guthrie.
Larson died aged just 35 shortly before RENT began previews Off-Broadway. Knowing that makes the extraordinary life the musical went on to have feel even more poignant.
The 20th Anniversary Cast
The cast included Layton Williams as Angel, Lucie Jones as Maureen, Billy Cullum as Mark, Ross Hunter as Roger, Philippa Stefani as Mimi, Ryan O’Gorman as Collins and Shanay Holmes as Joanne.
Walking Into RENT Knowing Nothing
From the opening scene, the stage looked like a cold, derelict squat. We were introduced to Mark, who documents life through his camera, and his musician friend Roger. It’s Christmas Eve, there’s no heating and very quickly you realise that all is not well.
The production brought together stories of love, friendship, poverty, sexuality, illness and loss. HIV and AIDS sit at the heart of several characters’ lives, and the show doesn’t let you forget the fear, uncertainty and questions of dignity that come with that.
Because I knew so little about RENT beforehand, I was completely open to whatever was going to unfold. That made some of its emotional turns hit particularly hard.
Mimi and Angel
Mimi, played by Philippa Stefani, initially appeared almost invincible — a party-loving character with far more depth underneath. Philippa’s performance was fantastic and, like Angel’s story, genuinely heart-tugging to watch.
Music, Staging and Direction
The cast and musicians were fantastic, and I loved how much of the music felt physically present on stage rather than separate from the action. Bruce Guthrie’s direction and the movement of the production made the whole thing feel raw and alive.
My Verdict on RENT
★★★★★ 5/5
I was still trying to get to grips with my emotions the day after. RENT hit me with the harsh realities of falling on hard times, illness, love and heartache. Going into the theatre without knowing the story made that experience even more powerful.
This is an archive review of the 20th anniversary production I saw in 2017. Cast, production and booking information above relates to that production rather than current performances.
More Theatre on Clarissa’s Corner
If you enjoy digging through my theatre archive, you can also read my Our House Musical review from 2017, my Son of a Preacher Man review, or explore newer theatre coverage across Clarissa’s Corner.
Wowww those pix shows how amazing the show would be .
I’ve always wanted to see Rent live! I’m sure it’s amazing!
It’s hard to believe it is already the 20th anniversary of this fantastic award-winning musical. This is definitely one I would like to see and it sounds like you really enjoyed the production.
I’ve never seen Rent before but would love to. It sounds like such a fab show x
I’ve never seen this musical. It does look really good x
Wow! that staging is stunning. It really does set the scene well for the gritty storyline. Glad you enjoyed yourself and had a fun night!
Sometimes I like going to see shows when I have no idea of the story line. Makes it more exciting 🙂
This set looks fantastic as well.
Not a story i am familiar with, but sounds fab. Thanks for sharing 🙂 x
20th Anniversary and I don’t even know the storyline of Rent, sounds and looks like a great show from what you’ve said. I saw Layton Williams in Hairspray and he is an amazing actor
I remember acting in Rent during my acting days and so pleased that the musical is good. I will have to check it out xx
I have to confess I have never seen Rent… well maybe I have but in bits. I’d probably love to see the theatre show rather than the film
This sounds amazing! I haven’t been to a musical in ages.
I’m always on the look out for more things to see so this looks great x
I watched Rent years ago in the West End. I loved it and want to see it again!
My folks love RENT! One of their favourite musical scores. The stage management and sets are pretty cool too! Can’t believe it’s been 20 years already!
I go to musicals a lot and have heard of Rent, but never been to see it! I have already added it to my “go see” list!
sounds like a good musical show, I would love to attend in the Musical show like this.
I haven’t heard of this before but it looks great. I absolutely love musicals!
Ohh you’ve definitely inspired me to check this out, it sounds awesome!
I love a good musical, I’ve not seen Rent but I’d love to – It sounds fab! xo