Rent

Rent is loosely based on Puccini’s opera La Bohème and tells the story of an impoverished group of young artists, musicians and dreamers struggling to survive in New York’s East Side village. It covers many issues including the AIDS epidemic, humanity, dignity, the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of community and your chosen family. At the time, it was a brave statement about the realities of life. It premiered on Broadway in 1996 and in the West End two years later, winning many accolades and awards.

Entering the auditorium we walked right through Caroline Moloney’s minimal set and got to admire up close the graffiti adorning the black walls, with hints of metal fencing topped with razor wire. It created exactly the right atmosphere and was complimented by basic black furniture, moved efficiently by the cast. Lighting (Darren Smith) was also dark and moody, and the costumes (Tammy English and Players’ Wardrobe) looked completely authentic for the period.

Adam Collins is a new Director for Players, but I hope we see more of his work soon. He has assembled a powerful cast of young and talented actors who brought the story to life with their energy and ability. Talented choreographer Ellie Scott made all their movements look natural, while MD Dan Brown had brought the solo and group vocals to a peak of perfection.

Jacob Bailey played aspiring film maker Mark perfectly, energetic and quirky and obviously only comfortable viewing life through the lens of his ever-present camera. He is a powerful singer and always interesting to watch. Anthony Davies as Roger, the aspiring rock guitarist, is another strong singer and he ably showed his depression and reluctance to become involved with Mimi. As Mimi, Madison Cathrow showed us her character’s fragility and desperation underlying her outward sexiness and optimism, with her powerful solos, and duets with Roger.

Dario Davies-Recchia gave another strong performance as Tom Collins, who is mugged in the opening scene but rescued by Angel, a young drag queen - a natural and understated performance by Charlie Frame. They made their love for each other beautifully authentic and nuanced, and Angel’s death was heart-breaking. The on/off relationship between Maureen and Joanne (Amy Pickance and Georgina-Rose Rust) was also treated delicately and made completely believable. You wouldn’t have known that Sam Townsend was standing in as Benjamin, their landlord - his performance was so assured and natural.

The rest of the cast provided strong support throughout, all moving easily and naturally around the stage and each having their own moment to shine. The full company performance of Seasons of Love at the start of act 2 was a real showstopper – presented so simply, with beautiful harmonies.

My only quibble with the show was the sound. Despite having some field mics, it was often hard to hear the lyrics above the music (excellent quality soundtracks), especially if the song started quietly. In a sung-through show like this, it can be hard to follow the story if you can’t hear clearly. Perhaps head mics would have been a good option.

I saw the original West End production in 1998 and even though many of the issues resonated with me, I couldn’t relate to the show at all. It’s a bit of a Marmite show and while many love it, not everyone does – I must admit I fall into the latter category. This production by Portsmouth Players was outstanding and a great achievement for the company and Director Adam Collins, but I’m sorry, it still didn’t convert me to liking the show!

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