Principal casting has been announced for the new West End production of RENT, Jonathan Larson’s Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical, which opens at London’s Duke of York’s Theatre on 26 September 2026.
Joining the previously announced Gaten Matarazzo as Mark are Travis Ross as Roger, Bella Brown as Mimi, Billy Nevers as Collins, Lazy Violet as Maureen, Danielle Fiamanya as Joanne, Jeevan Braich as Angel and Joaquin Pedro Valdes as Benny.
Producers have also confirmed that, due to popular demand, booking has now been extended until 27 March 2027.
Directed by Olivier Award winner Luke Sheppard, the production marks 30 years since RENT premiered on Broadway. Performances begin on 26 September 2026, with an official opening night scheduled for 8 October 2026.
Producers Chris Harper and Sonia Friedman said, “One of the greatest privileges of producing theatre is discovering and championing exceptional new talent, and that’s exactly what this extraordinary young company represents. This remarkable group of actors embodies everything that has made Jonathan Larson’s RENT so enduring: individuality, honesty, fearlessness and generosity of spirit.
Nearly thirty years after it first changed the landscape of musical theatre, RENT remains as vital, urgent and life-affirming as ever. Its story of love, friendship, community and resilience continues to speak powerfully to every new generation, which is why it felt so important that this production should be led by the voices, vitality and authenticity of the artists performing it today. We can’t wait for audiences to discover these exceptional performers and experience the thrilling chemistry they’ve created together as they honour Jonathan Larson’s extraordinary legacy.”
The newly announced cast brings together some of musical theatre’s most exciting performers. Ross has recently appeared in Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club, while Brown was most recently seen as Rapunzel in Into The Woods at the Bridge Theatre.
Nevers currently stars in Jesus Christ Superstar at the London Palladium, while Violet reprises the role of Maureen after previously appearing in Landmark Theatre’s production of RENT.
Fiamanya received an Olivier Award nomination for her performance in Brigadoon at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, while Braich won both the WhatsOnStage Award for Best Professional Debut and the Stage Debut Award for Best Performer in a Musical for Starlight Express.
Valdes’ theatre credits include The Frogs, The Lightning Thief and Death Note, while Matarazzo is internationally known for playing Dustin Henderson in Netflix’s Stranger Things.
Set in New York’s East Village, RENT follows a group of young artists, musicians and friends as they navigate love, ambition and creativity while building lives on their own terms. Featuring Jonathan Larson’s acclaimed score, the musical remains one of the defining works of contemporary musical theatre.
The production features choreography by Tom Jackson Greaves, set design by David Woodhead, costume design by Gabriella Slade, lighting design by Howard Hudson, sound design by Paul Gatehouse, and video design by George Reeve and Nathan Amzi.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
