Jonathan Larson’s popular musical returns to the West End. But how have critics ben reacting to its return?
The Guardian: “This show gives good value to Larson the composer – the band gunning through the score up on a gantry, the cast unleashing some rib-shaking vocals. Larson the lyricist emerges less well, engulfed by a wall of sound. The revival is produced with devotion but, nudging three hours, also needs dramaturgical tough love. Some lachrymose ballads don’t earn their stage time, while Maureen’s dairy-based activism (“Moo for me!”) has lost its bite. Keeping eight principal characters in play is tricky – Mark too often fades from his own story.”
London Theatre Reviews.co.uk: “There is also a societal commentary offered by the excellent supporting cast, with barely a moment on stage wasted as transitions between plotted numbers are covered with amusing voicemails and the plight of the homeless community, unrecognised by society at large and by the central characters at times.”
The Reviews Hub: “Rent is angry, sad, the band is rocking, the performers are crying, and the audience is too, as we can’t help compare our own lives and hardships to those that have come before us.”
London Theatre 1: “In the end, and despite my disquiet about some of the directorial decisions, I am so glad I saw Rent. It is an amazing show with songs that will appeal to a range of people. I didn’t like a couple but absolutely loved others. But together they make an awesome musical that deserves its reputation in the musical theatre lexicon.”
Time Out: “A formidable vehicle for Larson’s songs, but a less impressive one for his story.”
All That Dazzles: “Director Luke Sheppard takes this idea and explores the duality of the past and the present in his production, heightening the rebellious and protesting nature of the story. While still serving as a snapshot for 30 years ago, RENT features a loud, proud and fierce LGBTQIA+ story that feels wholly necessary to tell in this day and age as others attempt to reverse hard-fought rights.”
British Theatre Guide: “This very fine, uplifting performance of one of the best shows of the year will raise your spirits and provide an insight into the way the world is organised.”
West End Best Friend: “The ensemble are absolute stars. Ryan Nixon, Baylie Carson, Laura Delany, Shem Omari James, Leah Vassell and James Wilkinson-Jones bring character, comedy, grit and total commitment to every moment. Nobody is phoning it in, nobody is trying to steal the show and nobody feels like they are waiting for their big moment. That is one of the greatest strengths of this production because RENT isn’t supposed to be about one person. It is about a community, and this company functions as one.”
The Standard: “Nevers sings beautifully and Braich confirms the firecracker star power he showed in Starlight Express, as melodious and acrobatically agile in heels as he was on wheels. Lazy Violet and Danielle Fiamanya are hilarious as Maureen and Joanne and Valdes has great fun as the evil Benny.”
The Arts Desk: “The production is an act of directorial empathy that I wouldn’t have thought possible.”
Theatre & Tonic: “I truly don’t have a bad word to say about this production of RENT. It’s a flawless revival; one of the best shows I have seen all year. There really is no day but today to book tickets to see this show – it is a night at the theatre you will not regret or forget.”
RENT is now booking in the West End until the 29th May 2027.