A new production of Jonathan Larson’s Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical RENT is set to open in the West End at the Duke of York’s Theatre from 26 September 2026, with an official opening night on 8 October.
Produced by Chris Harper Productions and Sonia Friedman Productions in association with Hope Mill Theatre, the revival marks 30 years since the show first premiered on Broadway.
It has been announced that Stranger Things star Gaten Matarazzo will make his West End debut in the role of Mark, with further casting yet to be revealed.
The production is directed by Luke Sheppard, who recently won the Olivier Award for Best Director for Paddington, and is based on his acclaimed staging first seen at Hope Mill Theatre in 2020.
Chris Harper and Sonia Friedman said today “We are absolutely delighted to be bringing RENT back to the West End in this bold new production. We were completely exhilarated when we first saw Luke Sheppard’s staging at the Hope Mill Theatre in 2020 – it felt immediate, emotional and utterly alive. Jonathan Larson’s musical remains as powerful and resonant as ever, and Luke has found a way to honour its legacy while making it feel thrillingly fresh for today’s audiences. We cannot wait to share this production and all that we have planned for it. It promises to be a truly special theatrical event.”
Director Luke Sheppard said today “It’s an honour to be bringing RENT into the West End for its 30th anniversary year, and a personal privilege to return to Jonathan Larson’s extraordinary musical. Directing the show at the Hope Mill Theatre was a transformative experience and we were overwhelmed by the audience response. The opportunity to reimagine that production on a larger scale is a dream come true, bringing West End audiences up close to the heartfelt emotion and raw energy that powers this seminal musical. This is RENT in the hands of a new generation of performers who love and adore this piece, and with Gaten Matarazzo playing Mark, it promises to be a thrilling experience.”
Set in New York’s East Village, RENT follows a group of young artists and friends navigating love, ambition and creativity while forging their own paths.
Inspired by Puccini’s La Bohème, the musical is celebrated for its powerful score and its enduring message of community, resilience and living for the moment.
The creative team includes choreography by Tom Jackson Greaves, set design by David Woodhead, costume design by Gabriella Slade, and lighting design by Howard Hudson, with sound design by Paul Gatehouse and video design by George Reeve and Nathan Amzi.
Tickets go on sale on 19 May 2026 at 12.00 noon, with 10,000 tickets available at £35 and under.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
