RENT by Jonathan Larson

Shaftesbury Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, London, WC2H 8DP

Starring: Angela Bradley, Claire Coates, Josh Cohen, Desune Coleman, Jane Doyle, Jacqui Dubois, Peter Eldridge, Nolan Frederick, Jocelyn Hughes, Pili Lopez, Joseph McFadden, Rachel Mcfarlane, Andy Mace, Leon Maurice-Jones, Wayne Perrey, Amanda Posener, Mykal Rand, Richard Roe, Andy Senor, Lorraine Velez and Mark Vincent.

        This musical has everything, and for once a West End show has attempted to appeal to a younger, less conventional audience. From the first scene, Rent sets out to be very different, covering a number of different issues and emotions including relationships, HIV, AIDS and death. The difference between Rent and a number of other musicals I have seen is that it is daring yet lets you make up your own mind about the issues being portrayed.

        The set uses industrial scaffolding to evoke the run down and dingy area of New York in which it is set. Rather than having the orchestra situated in the pit at the front of the stage, they have opted for a smaller scale band that are involved throughout the show and appear to visibly enjoy themselves. The music and dancing are fantastic with a good mixture of energetic and mellow songs, with no single character dominating too much.

        The story centres on a group of young artists and local 'wasters' who are squatting in a run down, disused warehouse in the centre of New York. On Christmas Eve, their landlord, Benny (a former flatmate who has elevated himself through marriage and purchased their block) demands the last years rent. As they have no money they launch a campaign against him. But as they celebrate the success of their protest at a local bar Benny prevents them from re-entering their block. They have to struggle to get their homes back.

        Alongside this central plot, relationships between the campaigners are explored, involving the issues of drugs and AIDS. They death of a key member of the group is divisive and highlights the need for group strength. The musical is a wave of emotions, ranging from ecstasy to despair. But the energy running through the whole production is incredible. It leaves you wanting more yet feeling exhausted and all laughed and cried out at the same time. The early closing of Rent at the end of October 1999 will be a sad loss to the West End, but hopefully not for too long.