RENT reveals principal cast ahead of West End run this September

The production has revealed the names of its leading cast members as it prepares to open at the Duke of York’s Theatre later this year

RENT has revealed principal casting news for the new West End revival coming to the Duke of York’s Theatre. Jonathan Larson’s Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical makes a return to London this year, opening on 26 September. Gaten Matarazzo was previously announced to be starring as Mark.

Joining him will be Travis Ross as Roger, Bella Brown as Mimi, Billy Nevers as Collins, Lazy Violet as Maureen, Danielle Fiamanya as Joanne, Jeevan Braich as Angel, and Joaquin Pedro Valdes as Benny. Further casting is to be announced soon. The production has also been extended through 27 March 2027.

The revival will be helmed by Olivier-winning director Luke Sheppard, whose successes include & Juliet, Starlight Express, Just For One Day and Paddington. Choreography is by Tom Jackson Greaves, with set design by David Woodhead, costume design by Gabriella Slade, lighting design by Howard Hudson, audio production and sound design by Paul Gatehouse, video design and cinematography by George Reeve and Nathan Amzi, makeup and hair design by Jackie Saundercock, musical supervision by Bill Sherman, associate musical supervision and musical direction by Katy Richardson, intimacy direction by Asha Jennings-Grant, associate direction from Priya Patel Appleby and dialect coaching by Joel Trill.

The cult musical, which celebrates its 30^th anniversary this year, tells the story of a group of struggling young artists in Manhattan as they contend with poverty and the looming shadow of the HIV/AIDS crisis and depicts the area’s underground bohemian culture.

Producers Chris Harper and Sonia Friedman said: “One of the greatest privileges of producing theatre is discovering and championing exceptional new talent, and that’s exactly what this extraordinary young company represents. This remarkable group of actors embodies everything that has made Jonathan Larson’s RENT so enduring: individuality, honesty, fearlessness and generosity of spirit.

“Nearly thirty years after it first changed the landscape of musical theatre, RENT remains as vital, urgent and life-affirming as ever. Its story of love, friendship, community and resilience continues to speak powerfully to every new generation, which is why it felt so important that this production should be led by the voices, vitality and authenticity of the artists performing it today. We can’t wait for audiences to discover these exceptional performers and experience the thrilling chemistry they’ve created together as they honour Jonathan Larson’s extraordinary legacy.”