Celebrating three decades since its debut on Broadway, Jonathan Larson’s award-winning musical returns to London in October with Stranger Things star Gaten Matarazzo leading the cast.
The new production of RENT, opening at The Duke of York’s Theatre on 8th October, will be the first major West End revival of the musical since the original London premiere in 1998.
Gaten Matarazzo, best known for his role as Dustin Henderson in the hit Netflix series Stranger Things, will be making his West End debut when he takes on the lead role of Mark. At 23, Matarazzo already has a string of stage credits, including the Broadway productions of Sweeney Todd, Dear Evan Hansen, Godspell and Parade, as well as Into the Woods at the Hollywood Bowl.
Director Luke Sheppard recently won the Olivier Award for Best Director for his work on Paddington The Musical. Sheppard said it was an “honour” to be bringing RENT back to the West End for its 30th anniversary, and a “personal privilege” to return to the musical after directing the 2020 production at Manchester’s Hope Mill Theatre.
“Directing the show at the Hope Mill Theatre was a transformative experience and we were overwhelmed by the audience response. The opportunity to reimagine that production on a larger scale is a dream come true, bringing West End audiences up close to the heartfelt emotion and raw energy that powers this seminal musical.
“This is RENT in the hands of a new generation of performers who love and adore this piece, and with Gaten Matarazzo playing Mark, it promises to be a thrilling experience.”
The story
Set in New York’s East Village, RENT follows a group of young artists, musicians and friends, navigating love, ambition and creativity while trying to build lives on their own terms. Inspired by Puccini’s La Bohème, the iconic musical captures the joy, uncertainty and resilience of a generation determined to make every moment count.
The musical’s standout lyric ‘no day but today’ summarises the story’s central philosophy to live every day as if it were your last.
Producers Chris Harper and Sonia Friedman said: “Jonathan Larson’s musical remains as powerful and resonant as ever, and Luke has found a way to honour its legacy while making it feel thrillingly fresh for today’s audiences.
“We cannot wait to share this production and all that we have planned for it. It promises to be a truly special theatrical event.”
Further casting will be announced soon. Groups can get tickets now for the new production which is currently booking until 13th February 2027.
For more information and to book tickets go to: rentthemusical.com.
