Rent in Concert (UK Tour)
New Wimbledon Theatre
Reviewed on Thursday 14th November 2013
There has been no shortage of Rent productions over the past few years. However, somehow I have managed to avoid the show for far too long so was very excited to finally see Daniel Wood's touring 'concert' production when it visited the New Wimbledon Theatre for one night only.
Despite the production being billed Rent in 'Concert', it is seemingly a fully staged production of the show, just with an extremely basic set. The exceptionally talented cast do not let this hold them back and perform full-out, demonstrating impressive vocals.
Set in the East Village of New York City, Rent is a musical which many can identify with. The show is about standing up for who you are. Rent, which originally premiered off-Broadway in 1996, follows a year in the life of a group of friends struggling to make it in the big city under the shadow of HIV/AIDS.
Atomic Kitten star Natasha Hamilton has joined the show as Maureen for the second leg of its UK Tour. I loved Natasha's weird and wacky characterisation, she really goes for it. However, her vocals are not as effortless as some of her fellow cast members and she was well and truly sung off the stage by Hannah Levane (Joanne) during their fiery Act Two duet 'Take Me Or Leave Me'. Levane is an exquisite performer and I have never seen an actor with bigger stage presence. She is a star in the making and every single West End producer should be fighting to have her in one of their shows.
A stand out performance also comes from the seductive yet vulnerable Rachel John (Mimi) who manages to find the sincerity in almost every word she speaks and lyric she sings; her performance is both sexy and timid when required. Rory Taylor's (Roger) rocky vocal edge is perfect for the score and Ian Stroughair (Angel) steals many scenes. Leon Lopez (Collins) sang the reprise of 'I'll Cover You' from deep within. Tim Prottey-Jones and Beth Humphreys also both shone during their spectacular solo sections in 'Seasons Of Love' which were greeted with huge screams and rounds of applause from the adoring audience.
Rent is a show which holds a very special place in many peoples' hearts. The atmosphere was electric and the finale brought the entire audience to their feet. It was exciting to watch such a passionate company as well as being part of such a passionate audience. Although at times I didn't have a clue what was going on (the storyline is slightly bizarre), I certainly fell in love with this iconic musical.
Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)
Rent In Concert tours the UK until 30th November 2013.
Visit www.rentinconcert.co.uk for further information and tickets.
Speaking about Rent during a recent interview with West End Frame, Kerry said "The audiences went crazy and we had nightly standing ovations. It was great to be part of something so iconic. Rent contains a collection of every relationship imaginable which is why people can relate to it so easily. To sing those songs was just amazing, they still feel so fresh! I have loved Rent since it first opened, I still remember going to see it, and I've never had the opportunity to be part of the show so this concert version has been ideal for me!" Click here to read the full interview.
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