REVIEW: RENT at the Hope Mill Theatre (Online)

Loosely based on Puccini’s 1896 opera La Bohème, RENT is a rock musical which tells the story of a group of young struggling artists in 80s New York during the time of the HIV/Aids crisis. 

RENT premiered on Broadway in 1996 and has since gone on to become a staple musical in the theatre world; having international productions and tours throughout the past 2 decades. This musical about hope, community and love is beloved by all and during a time of global uncertainty from COVID19, seeing this production was like an old candle had been lit again. 

With the most recent lockdown in the UK forcing Hope Mill to cut short the run of the show, they luckily were able to record the show before they had to close their doors, allowing their audiences a chance still to see this glorious production. With a link and a password, we could see “The magic of RENT, from the comfort of your own home…” and it did not disappoint. 

I was initially worried about watching a pre-recorded performance, as I thought that it could translate as a video of a school production. However, I was happily surprised as there were multiple camera angles which had been edited together to really help capture individual moments of the characters, along with the big picture moments that you would get from a live experience; to fully appreciate the big ensemble numbers. The big opening of the titular song ‘Rent’ was a powerhouse of sound, light and dance, which could be felt through the screen and really let the audience know how the rest of this show was going to be and that we were in safe hands with this amazing cast.

Casting announced for revival of RENT at the Hope Mill Theatre

The cast and full creative team has been announced for Hope Mill Theatre’s hotly-anticipated revival of the classic rock musical RENT, directed by Luke Sheppard.

RENT will play at Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester from Friday 30th October to Sunday 6th December 2020.

The 12 company members, who were originally cast back in February are finally getting the opportunity to come together for this special revival of the much-loved musical. The cast will receive a Covid-19 test prior to being placed in one household (bubble) for the length of the run in Manchester.

Jocasta Almgill (& Juliet, Dreamgirls – West End) will play Joanne; Blake Patrick Anderson (Be More Chill – The Other Palace, Closer to Heaven – Off West End/Above the Stag) will play Mark; Tom Francis (Arts Ed 2020 graduate) will mark his professional debut as Roger; Ahmed Hamad (The Boy in the Dress – RSC, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat – West End) will play Benny; Dom Hartley-Harris (George Washington in Hamilton – West End, Bat Out of Hell – Manchester & West End) will play Collins; Millie O’Connell (Olivier nominated as Anne Boleyn in SIX The Musical – West End & UK Tour, 42nd Street – West End) will play Maureen; Maiya Quansah-Breed (Olivier nominated as Catherine Parr in SIX The Musical – West End & UK Tour) will play Mimi; Alex Thomas-Smith (Dear Evan Hansen – West End, Bat Out of Hell – West End) will play Angel. 

Best Couples in Musical Theatre!

Elphaba and Fiyero from WICKED

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George and Albin from LA CAGE AUX FOLLES 

REVIEW: RENT at St James Theatre, London

“Inspired by Puccini’s classic opera La bohème, RENT features unforgettable music and lyrics by Jonathan Larson including the much-loved songs Seasons of Love, Take Me or Leave Me and La Vie Bohème.  Winner of four Tony® Awards, six Drama Desk Awards and the hugely prestigious Pulitzer Prize for Drama, it ran on Broadway for an astonishing 12 years.”

From the day Rent opened on Broadway, it has been a popular culture sensation. Shining a light on issues like HIV, homelessness and drug addiction, this musical is one of a kind and has made its way to the St James’s Theatre in London to mark its 20^th anniversary.

INTERVIEW: Lee Proud, Choreographer of the 20th Anniversary production of RENT

Lee Proud choreographed the new 20th Anniversary production of RENT which is currently touring the UK, making a stop at the St. James Theatre in London over December. His other credits include The Producers (UK tour), The Smallest Show on Earth (UK tour), Billy Elliot (Victoria Palace), Allegro (Southwark Playhouse) and Grand Hotel (Southwark Playhouse). 

You’ve choreographed for many different types of spaces, which ones have been the most challenging?

I think most spaces offer some challenges, but there was one show I did two years ago Off- Broadway and there was only one entrance/exit on stage right as stage left was just a brick wall! It was hideous!!! I had to attempt to create patterns and illusions with the choreography which didn't look like everyone constantly marching off to one side after every number. It was awful!! People also often say to me that it must be hard choreographing in small spaces but I love the challenges and problem solving this involves. I also love the idea of the audience literally feeling the breeze on their face as a performer dances past. Traverse I like as it always offers an interesting perspective which you can keep moving and changing so no one misses out on the story telling. 

 

Do you prefer anyone of those?

I don't have a particular preference, I always try to play to the strengths of the space and rehearse things well so the actors feel comfortable.

 

INTERVIEW: Layton Williams, currently playing Angel in the 20th Anniversary production of RENT

Layton Williams is currently starring in the 20th Anniversary production of the cult classic RENT which tours the UK with a stop in London's St James Theatre from 8th December - 28th January. His other credits include Hairspray (UK tour), Thriller! Live (Lyric Theatre) Billy in Billy Elliot (Victoria Palace), The Car Man (UK tour) and on television Bad Education and Beautiful People. 

You came into the professional theatre business rather early, as one of the original Billy Elliots in the West End. How was that whole process?

It was pretty special. My story is very much the Billy Elliot story - I auditioned with very little experience when I was 11. I hadn't done a ballet class or had any professional training but they must've seen potential I guess.

What is it like to have such pressure at such an early age? Did you realise at the time what big a deal it was?

I absolutely had no clue. When I speak with people now about it they say they remember all the talk and controversy about this new "Black Billy"! I was just enjoying the ride as a child and luckily it never really stopped.

INTERVIEW: Ross Hunter, currently playing Roger in the 20th Anniversary production of RENT

Ross Hunter is currently starring in the 20th Anniversary production of the cult classic RENT which tours the UK with a stop in London's St James Theatre from 8th December - 28th January. Ross has previously been in The Book of Mormon (Prince of Wales) played Drew in Rock of Ages (Garrick & Shaftesbury Theatre) and Legally Blonde (Savoy Theatre). 

Let's start with We Will Rock You, pretty early on in your career you understudied Galileo for a while, and must have rocked out with Queen's Brian May a fair few times... how was that?

It was my first job out of drama school and to play the role at just 21 years old was incredible. The show itself means a lot to me, and the anniversary shows with Brian May and Roger Taylor were fantastic.

Then you jumped ship to the "other" rock musical, Rock Of Ages... what was your time like with that show? 

Physically demanding, vocally demanding but the most fun I have ever had on a job. The audiences were always brilliant and it’s a show that I think the West End misses. Not just a great show but a top night out!

Kerry Ellis | Interview

Kerry Ellis is about to return to the role of Mimi in the 20th Anniversary Concert tour of RENT, her other credits include Elphaba in Wicked (Apollo Victoria, London and on Broadway), Nancy in Oliver! (Theatre Royal, Drury Lane), Fantine in Les Miserables (Queens Theatre), Ellen in Miss Saigon (UK Tour), My Fair Lady (National Theatre and Theatre Royal Drury Lane), Merry We Roll Along (Yvonne Aenaud Theatre), Magic of the Musicals (UK Tour), Svetlana Sergievsky in Chess In Concert (Royal Albert Hall), Godspell (Palace Theatre, Mancester), Children of Eden (Prince of Wales Theatre), West End Men (Vaudeville Theatre) and Beth in The War of the Worlds - The New Generation (UK Tour). Some of her solo concerts include Kerry Ellis Sings the Great British Songbook (Shaw Theatre), Anthems (Royal Albert Hall and UK Tour), An Audience with Kerry Ellis (Shaw Theatre), The Born Free Tour (UK Tour) and Kerry Ellis in Concert (London Palladium). She has released three solo recordings; Wicked in Rock (2008), Anthems (2010) and Acoustic by Candlelight (2013). I caught up with her to talk about her appearance in RENT and her career… 

When did you realise you wanted to be a performer for a living? 

There was never a question, I was always going to perform.

Eden Espinosa | Interview

Eden is best known for her portrayal of the Green Witch Elphaba in the smash hit musical, WICKED. She performed the role to critical acclaim on Broadway, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Her other musical theatre credits include originating title role in Brooklyn the Musical on Broadway, Maureen in the closing cast of RENT on Broadway (this was also filmed and is available on DVD and Blu-Ray), the title role in Flora the Red Menace and the Fairy godmother in Cinderella alongside Alli Mauzey. Her television credits include Law & Order, Robot Chicken, Dog Whisperer, Titan Maximum, Ugly Betty, The Today Show, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and the 2008 Tony Awards. Eden made her solo concert debut in Los Angeles with her show 'ME' in December 2008.  She then took the show to New York where she performed to sold out audiences at Joe’s Pub.  She then brought the show back to Los Angeles and performed to a sold out audience at the Ford Amphitheatre, with special guest, Grammy Award-winning and Decca recording artist Paula Cole.  In 2010, her show “From Eden With Love” was performed to sold out crowds in New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. Eden released a solo album in late 2012 entitled 'Look Around' which is available for purchase here. 

Growing up, what was the thing that made you want a career in musical theatre?

Growing up I always loved musicals. But it really wasn’t until I reached high school and met so many kids my age that loved to sing and act like me.  It was around the age of 15 and a whole new world was opened up to me.  So many musicals I never knew, the dream of being on Broadway, living in New York City.  That’s when a spark ignited the flame.