Entertainment · Books & Arts · 2 days ago
Rent revival opens in London with Gaten Matarazzo making his West End debut
Rent has returned to London’s West End, opening on October 8 at the Tom Stoppard Theatre.
The revival stars Gaten Matarazzo, known for Stranger Things, as Mark, a filmmaker who observes the lives of his friends.
The musical follows young artists in New York’s East Village during the AIDS crisis, including couples facing HIV, love, illness and poverty.
Jonathan Larson’s show first opened in 1996, and its frank treatment of AIDS helped make it stand out.
This production, directed by Luke Sheppard, largely keeps the look and feel of the original while adding some modern stage technology.
A review praised Matarazzo’s singing but said several co-stars, including Travis Ross, Jeevan Braich and Billy Nevers, stood out more.
The revival is scheduled to run through May 27, 2027.
The West End revival of Jonathan Larson’s musical Rent opened in London on October 8, starring Gaten Matarazzo as Mark.
The limited engagement is scheduled to run through May 27, 2027, at the Tom Stoppard Theatre.
The production is directed by Luke Sheppard and is based on his 2020 Hope Mill Theatre staging.
The Independent said Matarazzo sings well but does not quite shine, while praising several co-stars.
The revival revisits a musical set in 1990s Manhattan among young artists facing the AIDS crisis.
- Who
- The cast includes Gaten Matarazzo as Mark, alongside Travis Ross, Alexa Lopez, Billy Nevers, Lazy Violet, Danielle Fiamanya, Jeevan Braich and Joaquin Pedro Valdes.
- What
- A West End revival of Jonathan Larson’s musical Rent opened.
- When
- It officially opened on October 8, 2026.
- Where
- The Tom Stoppard Theatre in London’s West End.
- Why
- The production returns Rent to the West End in its 30th anniversary year.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
We are absolutely delighted to be bringing Rent back to the West End in this bold new production.
It's an honor to be bringing Rent into the West End for its 30th anniversary year, and a personal privilege to return to Jonathan Larson's extraordinary musical.
Luke Sheppard staged a production of Rent at Hope Mill Theatre that inspired the new production.
The West End revival officially opened.
The limited engagement is currently scheduled to run at the Tom Stoppard Theatre.
- Venue
- Tom Stoppard Theatre, London
- Opening date
- October 8, 2026
- Scheduled closing date
- May 27, 2027
- Director
- Luke Sheppard
- Mark
- Gaten Matarazzo
- Original creator
- Jonathan Larson
Sources
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