“Rent” – a musical by Jonathan Larson presented by LAMDA

Rent – a musical by Jonathan Larson presented by LAMDA’s BA (HONS) Professional Acting and Foundation Degree Stage Management & Technical Theatre students

It was my first experience of a LAMDA production which is the creation of the West London drama school’s final year acting and stage management students to showcase the school’s talent which has been nurtured over three years.

Pulitzer prize winning Rent is a tough ask from a young group. The story might be La Boheme on the surface but the dimensions go well beyond Puccini’s tragic love story as it explores the relationship dynamics amongst a young group of down at heel artists set against the backdrop of AIDS and HIV in New York’s Alphabet City. But it is because LAMDA has produced a young collection of bubbling talent that the actors go at the production with a dynamic energy which leaves the, generally older, audience transfixed while trying to draw breath between the passionate onslaught of musical numbers.

The effect is riveting: drama students have succeeded in presenting a show which is truly professional across the board in both performances and stage management. The pool of talent is deep, with nearly 30 actors on stage holding their own. There are standout performances from the leads – Jake Morgan as Roger and Ellie Morris as the doomed Mimi – their voices reach every corner of the former Victorian swimming pool that now houses the Bridewell Theatre in the City of London. Thomas Schuster and Adeline Waby completely nail their roles as the drag queen Angel and the literally swinging Maureen. Great futures surely await the entire cast and production team as they enter their final six months at LAMDA.

lamda.org.uk