RENT

Well, I have heard Rent is a production like Marmite: you either love it or you hate it!

H.A.T.S certainly didn’t let that fact stand in the way of putting on this polished performance at Bolton Little Theatre.

Rent written by Jonathan Larson, loosely based on Puccini’s La bohème (an idea from a friend Billy Aronson) and also slightly biographical tackles multiculturalism, drug addiction, homophobia and the aids epidemic. The drama that surrounds this show is of court battles, the 1988 East Village riots, re-writes and the blood sweat and tears it takes to get a show on. The biggest drama was Jonathan’s death on the preview, meaning he would never know that his production starting from a staged reading in 1993 would be such a hit.

The director Liz Ritson certainly knew what she wanted from this production and had an intelligent handle on it, never letting it get too precious and making best use of the stage. Choreographers Lorraine Robinson and Gemma Marr enhanced and under-pinned the intentions of Liz Ritson in what was potentially a difficult space to dance in.

The production team had some well thought out moments that brought out the story of the suppressed. I must mention the superb lighting by Rob Armstrong: back-lighting and side-lighting really enriched the stage and actors, giving a real, gritty feel - at times ethereal.

The Main casting was, to me spot on and this strong team took us through the ups and downs of their lives played out in one year. An equally strong Ensemble complimented them.

Alex Re playing Tom Collins, Victoria Armstrong playing Joanne Jefferson and Kit Phillips playing Mark Cohen all put in notable performances.

Roger Davies played by Jack Corrigan and Mimi Marques played by Chess Leigh were a couple who certainly had their ups and downs, They both relished the task and gave passionate performances with plenty of conviction. Taking the audience on a journey with their characters’ tortured souls.

Philippa Shellard had no inhibitions in playing Maureen Johnson and grabbed the part by both ‘horns’ (!), delivering Maureen to us with guts and integrity, not sparing our blushes. Wonderful!

Matthew Gavin as Angel showed the caring side of someone who, despite the knocks in life, still has a smile and helping hand - this was done poignantly and with compassion: ConDRAGulations, wow! Anyone who cartwheels off the table in high heeled boots gets my admiration.

Only note I have to say is trust your Director - you have a great show, so be careful not to over play some scenes as the chemistry on stage was fantastic.

Paul Robinson, Musical Director leads this ensemble through a challenging canon of a musical maze with masterful control.

Thank you for inviting me and Congrats to H.A.T.S, I love Marmite!

 

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