Explosive and full of energy, Edinburgh based youth company Shoogly Peg bring the house down at the King’s with rock’n’roll musical American Idiot.
RENT – Touring
There is plenty of energy and spectacle in Bruce Guthrie’s 20th anniversary production of Rent, but it is too careful and just too clean to fully persuade.
RENT – St James Theatre
St James Theatre, London
*****
Music, lyrics and book by Jonathan Larson
Directed by Bruce Guthrie
The cast of Rent
This 20th anniversary production of Rent is a heart wrenching piece of theatre that beautifully touches on the key themes of love, loss, addiction and the fear of living as HIV positive. It is engaging, touching and thought provoking.
Performed countless times across the globe, Rent can often descend into a self-indulgent performers’ showcase. Bruce Guthrie’s take on the show however is heavy on integrity, with the director exploring the psyche of each character, making the performances both believable and relatable. Alongside, Lee Proud’s mesmerizing choreography fits perfectly with both style and era.
Amidst a stark and rough scaffolding-based set and with the full orchestra on display, Anna Fleischle’s designs create an edgy feel that is aesthetically challenging, leaving one to focus on the drama.
Mark Cohen as played by Billy Cullen is beautifully watchable, embodying his character’s drive to succeed in his work but also constantly sending out the signals of his desperate need to be accepted by his friends. Ross Hunter’s silky, effortless vocals as Rodger Davies are a joy. His performance engages throughout, convincing in the chemistry that sparkles between him and Philippa Stefani’s Mimi. Stefani may have just transferred over from In the Heights but here she’s a completely different woman, displaying a stunning depth and emotional range. Her unravelling on stage is almost elegant, depicting her character’s agonising flaws as she struggles with her addiction and its dangers.
Lucie Jones’ Maureen is an unconventional gem. Her cooky, charismatic and confident charm is so suited to the character that she doesn’t struggle once to deliver on Maureen’s obvious sexuality and allure. As always, Take Me Or Leave Me brings the house down with stunning vocals from both Jones and Shanay Holmes as Joanne. Their delivery is entirely narrative driven rather than just being the shouting match that the number can so often suggest, as they make the song an intimate and passionate breakdown of a relationship between two fiery women.
Now virtually sold out in London, the production is soon to tour and for both Rent-heads and newbies it’s a treat. The entire company are outstanding – vocally, choreographically and emotionally.
Reviewed by Charlotte DarcyRuns until 28th January 2017 – Then on tour. Tour details herePhoto credit: Johan Persson
RENT – St James Theatre
Knowing that the whole run at St James Theatre to celebrate Rent’s 20th anniversary is sold out, I felt incredibly privileged to be able to see it. However, it made me question just why was this particular production so popular?
RENT – Touring & London
When you think of the musical, Rent, written by Jonathan Larson, Seasons of Love springs to mind, immediately. However, the hard-hitting and modern-styled musical is packed with a range of musical numbers which are filled with angst, heart and impact.
NEWS: Rent marks 20th anniversary with Xmas at St James & tour
After opening at Theatr Clwyd for a limited season from 21 October to 12 November 2016, RENT will go on a three-week tour, prior to a Christmas season at London’s St James Theatre from 8 December 2016 to 28 January 2017, with a national press night on Tuesday 13 December 2016. 2017 tour dates are to be announced. The new production will be directed by Bruce Guthrie.
SHAKESPEARE IN THE GARDEN: ROMANTIC ROMEO – Edinburgh Fringe
✭✭✭✩✩ Family Fun:
Young critics scheme review
A cheesy, child-friendly adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, Captivate Theatre’s Shakespeare in the Garden: Romantic Romeo” is a fast-paced musical will appeal to all the family.