Photography by Pamela Raith

Rent is one of those shows that doesn’t need much of an introduction – in terms of queer musicals this is one of the most iconic. Jonathan Larson’s musical, following a group of friends in New York as they navigate the unfolding AIDS crisis, is celebrating it’s 30th anniversary this year; to mark the occasion we have this major West End revival. This production has been developed by director Luke Sheppard (currently also director of Paddington here in London) and is based on the version of Rent he directed at Manchester’s Hope Mill Theatre back in 2021.

We caught that production in Manchester five years ago, so heading into the recently-renamed Tom Stoppard Theatre we had a fair idea of what to expect. Now in a new, much bigger home, this production has been suitably amped up – both figuratively and literally (it is a very loud show). Everything looks magnificent: set, lighting, choreography, costumes… it all comes together to give this show a really stylish, gritty aesthetic. We totally bought into this run-down world of 1990s New York. The band sounds fantastic and there are some real powerhouse vocalists within the cast: Rent is a show that looks and sounds great.