Rent

I remember very clearly the first performance of the rock musical,'Rent' - not only because of its ground-breaking story, but the fact that it's creator, Jonathan Larson, died tragically just before the opening. The show was already an emotional roller coaster but his death created a heightened interest - shown by the fact that it ran for nearly 12 years on Broadway.The story revolves around a group of young people in the changing world of the East Village, New York, during the mid 90's and is loosely based on the opera 'La Boheme'. The iconic rock musical was vividly brought to life by this LIDOS production.

Sian Lomax, the Director, must be congratulated on her excellent staging helped by an innovative scaffold set (Dan Dainter, Stage Manager) together with convincing costumes, which perfectly re-created the seamier side of New York. Her young and very talented cast captured the mainly sung show brilliantly - there was not one weak link. Lucy Eyre, Musical Director, as always, kept a firm and competent hand on the singers (some stunning solos here) and also the band - excellent. Movement and choreography, by Emma Tempest and Donna Wells added to the overall high standard we are seeing increasingly by this company. There has been criticism in the past that the musical had no real story-line and there was a rather clumsy ending - if that is true, the LIDOS interpretation dispelled any misgivings - Paul Lonsdale and Robert Stott, as the two main principals, captured the essence of Larson's struggling musician and aspiring film-maker; Alan Wright and Kyle Walker as the doomed lovers, with Kyle taking on the role of Angel, the drag queen - very convincingly! Eve Kitchingman played the role of the club dancer, Mimi, to perfection - Megan Bassett, as Maureen was amazingly over-the-top, Beth Rowett as Joanne and Sam Joyce as Benjamin added to the principal line-up. They all worked hard and with (my favourite concept) Energy!! It matters so much from the audience's perspective, that the cast are fully committed to their performance - then we are too! They were supported by a strong and well-cast ensemble, all principals in their own right! This was a show full of life and love.

My congratulations on a truly memorable production.

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