Producers have announced the cast for the European premiere of The Jonathan Larson Project, which will run at Southwark Playhouse Borough from 9 July to 22 August 2026.
Max Harwood, Marcus Collins, Michael Mather, Grace Mouat and Imelda Warren‑Green will star in the celebrated New York tribute featuring previously unheard songs by the legendary composer of Rent.
Conceived by Jennifer Ashley Tepper, the London production will be directed by original Off Broadway director John Simpkins. Musical direction is by Livi Van Warmelo with set and costume design by Justin Williams and lighting design by Samuel Biondolillo.
In keeping with Jonathan Larson’s spirit of opportunity, an open application search has been launched for two cover roles. The team, including Emmy nominated casting director Rob Kelly, is inviting performers with no professional musical stage credits to apply.
Julie Larson said: “It means so much to us to bring this show to a UK audience and to continue honoring Jonathan’s extraordinary work and legacy. This new celebration of my brother’s previously unheard music offers an intimate portrait of an artist who was truly ahead of his time, and we are deeply honored to share it with you.”
John Simpkins added: “Jonathan Larson changed the face of musical theatre. It is an enormous honour to be entrusted with directing this new production in the UK following our success Off Broadway.”
Producers Thomas Hopkins and SAMS Entertainment said: “It is an honour to be entrusted with Jonathan’s legacy by Julie and the Larson family as we bring this refreshed production to London. This show allows lovers of Jonathan’s work from around the world to come together in one space and celebrate his life with music that was lost until John Simmkin and Jennifer Ashley Tepper uncovered hours of cassette tapes of undiscovered songs, piles of never produced scripts, and many personal letters, photos, journals, and more.”
The production commemorates 30 years since Jonathan Larson’s death in January 1996, just one day before the first performance of Rent in New York. This new staging will highlight the composer’s early and experimental work, offering an electrifying insight into his creative imagination.
Listings and ticket information can be found here
